This Is Why #HeForShe Is So Important
Start writing a post
Politics

This Is Why #HeForShe Is So Important

If you don't know what it is, you need to.

231
This Is Why #HeForShe Is So Important
@heforshe Instagram

So you kind of know what #HeForShe is, but not really. You're aware that the ultimate QUEEN, Emma Watson, is the face behind the gender-equality campaign but you're not exactly sure how it came about. You think it has something to do with the UN, but you're not positive on any of these facts. No worries, it's never too late to learn about such an amazing movement.

According to the HeForShe's mission page, "Created by UN Women, the United Nations entity for gender equality and the empowerment of women, the HeForShe solidarity movement for gender equality provides a systematic approach and targeted platform on which men and boys can engage and become change agents towards the achievement of gender equality. Achieving gender equality in our lifetime requires an innovative, inclusive approach that both recognizes men and boys as partners for women’s rights, and acknowledges the ways in which they also benefit from this equality. HeForShe invites men and boys to build on the work of the women’s movement as equal partners, creating and implementing a shared vision of gender equality that will benefit all of humanity."

Phew. That was a lot but for good reason. Essentially, HeForShe aims to involve as many men as possible in the cause for gender equality. Being a feminist doesn't require being a female. Being a feminist requires believing in the ideal that women and men are equals, in every sense of the word.

There's a lot of times in America's history that its citizens aren't proud of, but women not casting their own ballots for so long is one of those times. Now, the first female presidential candidate is not only running, but leading the race. No matter who you vote for in November, that shows progress. HeForShe's goal is to continue that progress, but with the support of boys and men around the world.

U.N. Goodwill Ambassador Emma Watson spoke before the U.N. at its headquarters in New York last week and specifically discussed campus assault and gender inequality at universities, two issues very relevant in the lives of college students today.

Watson praised her alma mater Brown University for empowering her but used that as a transition to ask what other schools around the world were implementing in their platforms so as to empower their female students.

“What if our experience in university shows us that women don’t belong in leadership? What if it shows us that, yes, women can study, but they shouldn’t lead a seminar?” she said. “What if, as is the case in far too many universities, we are given the message that sexual violence isn’t actually a form of violence?’’


Watson also discussed the HeForShe IMPACT Report, which plans out 10 global universities' "concrete commitments and begin charting their progress toward achieving gender parity."

HeForShe is so important because it is finally shedding light on an issue that refuses to be ignored any longer - gender inequality. The United States has made much progress over its history, but still has way more steps to take. Other countries around the world aren't as progressive, and this action within the U.N. will help those places become so. Join the campaign today to help make a difference, man or woman.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71500
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133497
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments