Prepare to Be Inspired by Emma Watson's Moving Speech on Gender Equality
Feminism gets a kind of bad rap as a dirty word, but Emma Watson says it's not—and here's why.
By Ashley Mateo
2014 Steve Sands
Feminism gets a kind of bad rap as a dirty word (the other "f" word, if you will), but there's been a huge movement lately in putting women's rights front and center, whether that be to protect them from sexual assault or to fight for equal pay at work. Trust Emma Watson to use her role as a United Nations Women Goodwill ambassador to make feminism an issue for not just women, but everyone.
On Saturday, the actress launched the "HeForShe" campaign, which will fight for gender equality around the world. And, in doing so, she delivered the kind of epic speech that makes us want to give her a standing ovation from in front of our computers.
"The more I have spoken about feminism the more I have realized that fighting for women's rights has too often become synonymous with man-hating. If there is one thing I know for certain, it is that this has to stop," she said. "For the record, feminism by definition is: "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."
Touché, Emma. But instead of jumping on the "lean in" bandwagon, she directed many of her remarks to men: "Men—I would like to take this opportunity to extend your formal invitation. Gender equality is your issue too," she said. "We don't often talk about men being imprisoned by gender stereotypes but ... when they are free, things will change for women as a natural consequence." Here's hoping all those politicians watching her actually heard what she had to say.
Watch her whole speech below, and I dare you to tell me you aren't inspired. It's that good.
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Image Credit: WireImage
Topicscelebritycelebrity newsEmma WatsonfeminismHeForShe campaignwomens issues