The feminist movement has gained support in recent years due in part to efforts from celebrities like Ellen Page, Lena Dunham and Beyonce, who have spoken up in support of gender equality. The most recent celeb to rise to the occasion was Emma Watson. While she is well-known for her role in the “Harry Potter” movie series, she is less well-known for her position as goodwill ambassador for U.N. women. Through this position, Watson works to support equality of women around the world.
On Saturday, September 20th, Watson delivered a powerful speech to the United Nations headquarters. There, she called for change from men and women, both in the room, and around the world. In her speech, Watson calls attention to the fact that “feminism has become an unpopular word.” People are afraid to call themselves feminists—defining themselves in support of gender equality—because they believe that it is equivalent to “man-hating.” In reality, Watson explains, feminism is the idea that women have the right to make decisions about their bodies, earn equal wages, participate in politics, and enjoy the same rights that men have unquestionably been given for years. She wishes for the social, economic, and political equality of men and women because that is what feminism is all about.
In part of her speech, Watson turns her focus to the men as she says “gender equality is your issue too.” Through the U.N. women campaign, He for She, Watson and countless others wish to generate change throughout the world. As Watson emphasizes, “we don’t just want to talk about it.” She is working to make legitimate changes in addition to raising awareness. He for She enlists the help and support of boys and men everywhere to speak up for gender equality. Not only is she affirming the fact that men must fight for women’s rights as well, but she is also acknowledging that men too face injustices. She recognizes that there are problems with gender inequality when it comes to what is expected of men. Men are expected to be strong, and to not be emotional. “Both men and women should feel free to be sensitive. Both men and women should feel free to be strong,” is a point that Watson emphasizes. These issues can be resolved by the fight for gender equality. It is imperative that everyone participates, both in thought and with action, in the battle for change. This is what He for She promotes.
There were a plethora of responses to Watson’s speech; one of the most prominent or most publicized reactions was actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s video response. In this video, Gordon-Levitt proudly calls himself a feminist. He explains that to him feminism is the idea that “you can be whatever you want to be, whoever you want to be,” and a person’s gender is not an indicator of where a person can go in life. It does not indicate a limit of their level of success. This supports Watson’s He for She movement by showing actual support from men. This is what the feminist movement needs.
Despite the fact that there was some negative backlash to Watson’s speech—she received threats from internet users claiming that they would hack into her computer and post her private pictures—Watson’s message has definitely caused people around the world to think more about their stance on feminism and women’s rights. In the weeks, months, and years that follow her speech, Watson and the organizers of the He for She campaign will work with women and men to promote gender equality through actual concrete change.