Gender equality is perhaps one of the most controversial topics that surfaces in our society, as well as in the media. I recently came across a speech by actress, Emma Watson on behalf of the issue. This speech was first given about two years ago at the United Nations Headquarters in New York for the launching of the HeForShe campaign. HeForShe is a global campaign with efforts to end inequality for women and young girls. Emma Watson, who is most famous for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series is currently one of the United Nation’s Women Global Goodwill Ambassador. At the time of the speech, she was only 24 years old and a recent graduate of Brown University. Despite her age, Watson took a stance on a very important issue, that she shares true passion for when she formally addressed an audience of high standing politicians and UN delegates on the issue of feminism. Her goal was to have 100,000 men go online and join the HeForShe campaign, and that goal was reached.

Watson gave some startling statistics, that now, two years after the speech are still issues:

“It will be 75 years until women are paid the same as men for doing the same work.”

“15.5 million girls will be married over the next 16 years as children.”

Watson made a clear and accurate point, that feminism is strong, often intimidating and is confused with man hating. She states, in regards to feminism, “It’s not the word that’s important, it’s the idea and ambition behind it.” The mission behind HeForShe is to show that inequality is not only a women's issue, but an issue concerning all of human rights. Specific issues addressed by the campaign are education, health, identity, violence, the work place, and politics. HeForShe is not only limited to females, it is meant to end gender stereotypes for men as well. Watson concluded her speech asking for both men and women to join the HeForShe campaign and start making a difference. Her confidence was astounding, as she asked herself:

“If not me, who? If not now, when?”

Watson’s goal was to have 100,000 male supporters join the HeForShe campaign, stating, “Men, I’d like to take this opportunity to extend your formal invite. Gender equality is your issue too.” The audience had a very positive reaction, giving a standing ovation at the end. Today, only two years after the launching of HeForShe, the campaign has over 1 million supporters and continues to grow each day!

Join HeForShe by taking the pledge and make a difference now! http://www.heforshe.org/en

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