Emma Watson delivers powerful speech at UN
| |
Watson's HeForShe campaign aspires to galvanise as many men and boys as possible to be advocates for gender inequality. Not only did the young star encourage men to consider feminisim as a pressing issue for their gender too, she also cleared the distorted definition of feminism that people have.
"Feminism is, by definition, the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities. It is the theory of the political, economic and social equality of the sexes," Watson said.
She also shared that she decided to become a feminist after she was considered too "bossy" for wanting to direct a play at the age of eight and after how at the age of 14, she started being sexualised by certain elements of the media.
“Why has the word become such an uncomfortable one? I think it is right I am paid the same as my male counterparts. I think it is right that I should make decisions about my own body. I think it is right that women be involved on my behalf in the policies and decisions that will affect my life. I think it is right that socially, I am afforded the same respect as men,” she said.
She spoke about how gender inequality inflicts men too.
“How can we effect change in the world when only half of it is invited to participate in the conversation? Men, I would like to take this opportunity to extend your formal invitation. Gender equality is your issue, too.”
“I’ve seen my father’s role as a parent being valued less by society. I’ve seen young men suffering from illness, unable to ask for help for fear it will make them less of a man …. I’ve seen men fragile and insecure by a distorted sense of what constitutes male success. Men don’t have the benefits of equality, either. We don’t often talk about men being imprisoned by gender stereotypes but I can see that they are.”
She further added that liberating men from stereotypes eventually benefits women.
“When they are free, things will change for women as a natural consequence. If men don’t have to be aggressive in order to be accepted, women won’t feel compelled to be submissive. If men don’t need to control, women won’t have to be controlled. Both men and women should feel free to be sensitive. Both men and women should feel free to be strong,” she said.
Watson urged people to take a stand against gender inequality.
"If not me, who, if not now, when. If you have similar doubts when opportunities are presented to you I hope those words might be helpful."
The 24-year-old's passion for the cause is undeniable and her speech was given a standing ovation.
The Harry Potter star was also praised by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for her impressive speech, who even joked saying, "She has been using her magic wand in her movie. I hope she will use [her] magic wand to stop violence against women.”
The Twitter movement for the cause is just starting to gather momentum, with celebrities like Roberto Aguire, Watson's Noah co-star Douglas Booth and Troian Bellisario of Pretty Little Liars extending their support.