The definition of feminism varies from person to person. Previously, the Harry Potter alum Emma Watson delivered a speech before the United Nations in which she addressed the prevailing violence against women.
Her speech moved every person present there as she did not just voice her opinions for women’s rights, but she urged to see both men and women equally. Moreover, in her speech, Watson openly invited men to participate in stopping violence against women.
Emma Watson’s definition of feminism is not limited to certain prejudices
Actress Emma Watson has been an advocate for gender equality and women’s rights. However, Watson doesn’t opt for any stereotypical way of promoting feminism where one glorifies one gender and demeans the other. Rather, she believes in a more inclusive form of feminism that avoids prejudice.
The actress has served as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador and launched the ‘HeForShe’ campaign, encouraging men to actively participate in ending violence against women. Her approach to feminism emphasizes everyone coming together to eliminate the concept of gender inequality.
During her speech, Watson referred to the former United States Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton speech, and mentioned that only 30% of the audience Clinton addressed was male. The actress said,
“How can we affect change in the world when only half of it is invited or feel welcome to participate in the conversation? Men — I would like to take this opportunity to extend your formal invitation. Gender equality is your issue, too.”
Watson’s message echoed the importance of involving men in efforts to end violence against women.
Emma Watson claimed that fighting for women’s rights does not mean man-hating
It is often the case that while advocating for women’s rights, activists become so engrossed that they lose sight of their main agenda. Feminism does not entail proving superiority over the other gender; rather, it’s about attaining equal status in society. Emma Watson firmly holds this notion, as she stated during her speech,
“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. 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.”
The actress also addressed the role of men in society and how they often feel too reserved to reveal their vulnerable side. Watson mentioned that she has seen men suffering from mental health issues yet they refrain from seeking help because they feel that it will make them look weak. The actress said,
“We don’t often talk about men being imprisoned by gender stereotypes, but I can see that they are — and that when they are free, things will change for women as a natural consequence.”
The actress concluded by saying that it’s all about how we perceive things. If we stop defining one another by what we are not and focus on defining ourselves by what we are, we can all be free. The actress affirmed that this is precisely the goal of her campaign, HeForShe: to break free from our own limiting mindsets.
Source: The Washington Post
