Earlier this summer, Emma Watson was named a Women’s Goodwill Ambassador to the United Nations fresh out of college graduation. On September 20th, she was finally able to deliver a speech on behalf of the UN, introducing the new gender equality campaign, “HeforShe.”
She began her speech with quivered words, but a powerful message: in order to make a change, a real change, everyone needs to be involved, men and women alike. She addressed the growing misconception of feminism as an aggressive, unpopular, anti-man philosophy, and she quickly reassured audiences all over the world that feminism simply is the fight for equality, for equal pay, for equal respect, and for equal political and social opportunities. Watson pleaded, “And if you still hate the word, it is not the word that is important. It’s the idea and the ambition behind it, because not all women have received the same rights I have. In fact, statistically, very few have.”
Watson referenced Hillary Clinton’s 1997 Beijing speech on women’s rights, and sadly pointed out that things haven’t made much progress. At that speech, she says, “less than thirty percent of the audience were male. How can we effect change in the world when only half of it is invited or feel welcome to participate in the conversation?” This is the purpose of UN’s new HeforShe Campaign—to include men in the fight for gender equality.
She goes on to outline the effects of gender inequality on men and boys, to say that gender inequality is a universal issue. She said, “Both men and women should feel free to be sensitive. Both men and women should feel free to be strong.” This speech was about feminism, but even more so it was about equality and freedom in gender roles. She was able to illuminate the subject that has become controversial in a way, but is still so very relevant.
This speech, and Emma Watson’s dedication to true equality, is really just the icing on top of the cake. She’s gorgeous, she’s funny, she’s a Brown graduate, she can rock a pixie cut, and she’s the beloved Hermione Granger—the shining representation of our childhood obsession with Harry Potter.
Emma Watson has become such an amazing role model for women everywhere. If you haven’t already, take twelve minutes out of your day to listen to a powerful woman give a very powerful speech!
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