Mariem Kamal
Edited: Emma Leonard
“If you want to run for Prime Minister, you can. If you don’t, that’s wonderful, too. Shave your armpits, don’t shave them, wear flats one day, heels the next; We want to empower women to do exactly what they want”.
These are words said by English actor and activist Emma Watson that she continues to live by each and every day. From portraying a powerful, inspiring young girl as a child star in one of the most successful movie franchises to later growing into that same role herself. Let's dive into the impactful role model that is Emma Watson and look at what she has done on her quest to combat gender equality.
Watson rose to fame for her star role in The Harry Potter franchise. She played a young witch named Hermione Granger. Despite doing numerous more roles throughout the years, many of which have become quite timeless such as “Sam” in The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Watson has become widely known for the work she has done as a key figure in the feminist movement as well as gender equality as a whole. In 2014, she was appointed a United Nations Women Goodwill Ambassador. UN Women, which is a part of The United Nations, is an organization whose main goal is to promote gender equality as well as empower women. These are things that the activist is seen sponsoring throughout her career. For example, as an ambassador, Watson helped launch the UN’s HeForShe campaign. This campaign promotes the idea that men too should join in on the movement towards greater gender equality. Watson proclaims that this movement is as much for men as it is for women. She believes that gender equality is just that; equality for all genders. In everything she does, Watson has always spoken her mind and never faltered on what she stands for, a role model for all aspiring young people. Another way in which Watson has made an impact in the gender equality movement is when she kickstarted the Justice and Equality Fund, an organization that focuses on providing resources to anyone who is experiencing sexual harassment in any capacity.
Emma Watson has made a large splash in the realm of women’s education and literacy. She has traveled to multiple different countries such as Zambia and Bangladesh with the goal of spreading knowledge to young girls who do not have proper access to it. Watson is an ambassador for Camfed International as well. This is another movement that works to educate young girls in African countries. It is evident that Watson strongly believes in the importance of a proper education, which can also be seen through her attendance at Brown University as well as her female empowerment book club, Our Shared Shelf. In this book club, beginning in 2016 Watson and other members, as well as anyone else who would like to partake, read books by feminists or that relate to feminist topics.
Watson believes that all genders should be treated with the same amount of respect and dignity that everyone is entitled. Her work will continue to inspire people from all walks of life as she promotes equality.
Comments