What We Need To Take Away From Emma Watson's UN Speech
Emma Watson gave a moving speech about gender equality at the UN on September 20, 2014 introducing the HeforShe Campaign.
Emma Watson made headlines six months ago when she was announced as a Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women. She has mass media buzzing again with a speech she made at the UN discussing feminism and the HeforShe campaign. She was mesmerizing and made incredible and moving call to action for men. These are some important things to take away from her "game-changing" speech.
1. "Man-Hating" and feminism are NOT synonymous!
Watson spoke to why the word, feminist, is unpopular and credited it to the thoughts that feminist are anti-men. Not true, and we shouldn't promote that idea. Being a feminists, man or woman is supporting the equality of the sexes.
2. We need to rethink how we think of "feminists"
Watson also discussed that there is a struggle among women with identifying as feminist because of the connotations. I personally have been guilty of this. Again, feminists support EQUALITY, and we all need to remember that. Sure, there are different elements to individuals who identify as feminist, but that's just it, they are individuals and we can't embrace stereo types.
3. This is a conversations, and everyone is invited.
The fight for gender equality relies on the discussion between everyone on how to achieve things like equal pay, rights to education, freedom to choose what happens to our bodies, ect. This isn't one-sided chat, so everyone needs to join in. Men, Emma Watson gave you a formal invitation, and shes a gem, don't let her down!
4. This is a GLOBAL problem.
Gender equality is everywhere! It's not just happening "somewhere else", it's right next door AND somewhere else. granted, it may look different in different places but the overall message is that men and equal are not completely equal everywhere If men and women all over the world begin to realize this is a global problem we can work together to overcome it!
5. Gender equality is everyone's issue.
Watson speaks to the implications of gender stereotypes for men. She verbalized that because of gender stereotypes, we promote gender inequality and once we break down these social constructs we can be freer and stop gender inequalities. "...This is what HeforShe is about: It's about freedom"
HeforShe is a call to action focusing on Men and Boys for their solidarity in the fight for gender equality. Spread the word, take the pledge!
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