In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8, 2015, Emma Watson, UN Women Global Goodwill Ambassador, answered audience questions about HeForShe and gender equality for a live streamed event from London.
Emma Watson's talk about Feminism and the HeForShe campaign was nothing short of powerful. I encourage everyone, both girls and boys, men and women, of all ages to watch the video in full. Here are just 5 powerful quotes she delivered during her talk to get you started.
“I think it starts young, I think it starts really young with girls and boys being told what they can be.”
Gender inequality starts when we are children. We have all seen it- girls in pink, boys in blue. Girls with Barbie, boys with trains. It is so important to expose our kids to things in such a way that is non-gender conforming. Emma goes on to say, "Don’t let anyone tell you what you can and can’t do or achieve. Do what you want to do and be who you want to be. Just encourage and include each other, don’t ostracise the gender in front of you.'
“For women, it’s about feeling comfortable about admitting that there’s a problem.”
This speaks to the role of women in the movement. Some of the hardest criticism Emma has heard came from other women. “We need to understand that we are complicit,” she said.“If you believe in equality, you’re a feminist. Sorry to tell you.” Men think it's a women's word and it's only for women, but really it just means you stand for equality. If you stand for equality, you are a feminist.
“Chivalry should be consensual. Both parties should be comfortable with that.”
Emma mentions that she loves having the door opened for her and loves being taken to dinner. Her question is if the other person would also be comfortable having the same done for them, saying “Then I’m polite, and you’re polite, then we’re making the world a better place with this small, kind, polite gesture.”
“It’s not about men saving women.”
“I think that’s a misunderstanding. Women are already in the club, because it’s our movement. It’s an equality club, for both genders. It’s about men coming in support of women and women coming in support of men,”
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