by Jennifer McShane
22nd Sep 2016
22nd Sep 2016
Emma Watson is a powerhouse when it comes to feminist reform.?From acting to her duties as UN Ambassador to championing the female voice alongside her involvement in other book-themed?initiatives, she is a talented and intelligent force to be reckoned with. The 25-year-old?has been making headlines as she?is unafraid?to stake a stand on the issues that mean the most to her, whether this comprises of?campaigning for gender equality in the industry, making powerful, rousing speeches?aiming to involve men in this discussion or taking a stance on the sustainable fashion industry. Next on her hit list is the topical yet harrowing issue of sexual assault on campus.
Watson delivered another speech of impact at the UN General Assembly this week, calling on universities to ensure the safety of women on college campuses around the world.
The actress and advocate described her own experience at Brown University as “life-changing” but said she knew that she was fortunate, knowing that so many can have negative life-altering experiences (just look at the statistics) . “At many schools, women are not given leadership positions?or given the opportunity to even attend. Additionally, through their actions, many schools may be giving out the message that sexual violence isn’t actually a form of violence,? she’said.
As we leave home for the first time to study at the places that we have worked so hard to get, we must not see or experience double standards. We need to see equal respect, leadership, and pay. The university experience must tell women that their brain power is valued, and not just that, but that they belong within the leadership of the university itself.
“Importantly right now, the experience must make it clear, that the safety of women, of minorities and anyone who may be vulnerable, is a right and not a privilege,” she continued. “A right that will be respected by a community that believes and supports survivors and recognises that when one person feels their safety has been violated, everyone feels their own safety has been violated.”
The speech comes after Watson famously delivered her first passionate address for the #HeForShe?campaign a mere two years ago and she’s remained devoted to the campaign ever since. Of?her now-famous speech, she said she was encouraged not to use the word ?feminism? for fear of alienating people, but she paid no heed and was praised for doing so. ?I thought long and hard and ultimately felt that it was just the right thing to do. If women are terrified to use the word, how on earth are men supposed to start using it?? she said.
You can watch excerpts from her latest speech below and while doing so, please join us in our admiration for this remarkable young woman; Emma Watson is a tour de force and is truly making things happen:
A video posted by Emma Watson News ?? (@emmacwatsons) on
A video posted by Emma Watson News ?? (@emmacwatsons) on
Via Vogue