Inspirational speech to United Nations on gender equality, Emma Watson

Summary

In her speech as a Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women, the speaker addresses the misconception that feminism is synonymous with man-hating, clarifying that it is about equal rights and opportunities for all genders. She shares personal experiences and societal observations to highlight gender stereotypes and their impact on both men and women. She emphasizes the importance of gender equality as a human rights issue and invites men to join the conversation, advocating for a world where both genders can be strong, sensitive, and free from prejudice. The speech concludes with a call to action, urging everyone to be part of the 'HeForShe' movement to achieve gender equality.

Takeaways

• 🌟 'Feminism' by definition is the advocacy for equal rights and opportunities for both sexes, not synonymous with 'man hating'.
• 👶 The speaker began questioning gender stereotypes at a young age, noticing differential treatment as early as eight years old.
• 📉 The media's sexualization of young girls and societal pressures lead to girls dropping out of sports to avoid appearing 'muscly'.
• 😔 Men also face constraints from expressing their feelings due to societal expectations of masculinity.
• 🌍 Despite progress, no country has fully achieved gender equality, indicating a global issue.
• 💪 The speaker acknowledges her privilege, attributing it to the support of parents, school, and mentors who did not limit her potential based on gender.
• 👥 The concept of 'inadvertent feminists' is introduced, highlighting those who unknowingly promote gender equality.
• 🙋‍♂️ An invitation is extended to men to participate in the conversation about gender equality, emphasizing it is an issue that affects them too.
• 🔄 The speaker calls for a shift from gender stereotypes to a spectrum of gender identities, allowing for more fluid expressions of self.
• 💡 The 'HeForShe' movement is introduced as a unifying force for change, encouraging both men and women to advocate for gender equality.

Q & A

What is the main message of the speech given by the Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women?

The main message is that feminism should not be equated with man-hating, but rather it is about advocating for equal rights and opportunities for both men and women.

How does the speaker describe her early experiences with gender-based assumptions?

The speaker recounts being called 'bossy' at eight for wanting to direct plays, being sexualized by the media at 14, observing her female friends drop out of sports at 15 to avoid appearing 'muscly', and seeing her male friends struggle to express their feelings at 18.

What does the speaker believe is a significant issue with the current perception of feminism?

The speaker believes that feminism has become an unpopular word, with many women choosing not to identify as feminists and the term being associated with being too aggressive, isolating, and anti-men.

Why does the speaker consider herself one of the lucky ones?

The speaker considers herself lucky because her parents, school, and mentors did not limit her opportunities or expectations based on her gender.

What does the speaker mean by 'inadvertent feminists'?

The speaker refers to 'inadvertent feminists' as those who support gender equality and contribute to changing the world without necessarily identifying as feminists or realizing the impact of their actions.

What is the speaker's stance on the importance of involving men in the conversation about gender equality?

The speaker emphasizes that gender equality is also men's issue and that change cannot happen unless men are invited and feel welcome to participate in the conversation.

How does the speaker suggest that men can also benefit from gender equality?

The speaker suggests that men can benefit from gender equality by being able to express their feelings without judgment, not being expected to conform to aggressive stereotypes, and having their roles as parents valued equally by society.

What is the 'HeForShe' campaign mentioned in the speech, and what is its goal?

The 'HeForShe' campaign is a solidarity movement for gender equality where men are invited to stand in support of women's rights to help create a more gender-equal world.

What does the speaker believe is the consequence of doing nothing to advance gender equality?

If no action is taken, it will take 75 years for women to be paid the same as men for the same work, and many other gender equality milestones will be delayed, such as reducing child marriages and improving education for girls in rural Africa.

How does the speaker encourage those who doubt their ability to make a difference?

The speaker uses the quote from statesman Edmund Burke, 'All that is needed for the forces of evil to triumph is for good men and women to do nothing,' to encourage action and to question 'if not me, who? If not now, when?' to inspire those with doubts.

What is the speaker's personal motivation for speaking at the UN and advocating for gender equality?

The speaker's personal motivation is her care for the problem of gender inequality and her sense of responsibility to use her platform and experiences to advocate for change.

Outlines

00:00

🌟 Feminism and Gender Equality

The speaker begins by sharing her appointment as a Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women and her realization that feminism is often misunderstood as man-hating. She clarifies that feminism is about advocating for equal rights and opportunities for both sexes. Reflecting on her own life, she recalls instances of gender-based assumptions and the pressures faced by both men and women due to societal norms. She emphasizes the importance of gender equality as a human right and acknowledges her privilege. The speaker also points out that no country has fully achieved gender equality and calls for more inadvertent feminists to change the world.

05:02

🙌 Inviting Men to the Conversation

In this paragraph, the speaker extends an invitation to men to join the conversation on gender equality, arguing that it is an issue that affects them too. She discusses how societal expectations have led to men being undervalued as parents and suffering from mental health issues due to a fear of appearing less masculine. The speaker highlights the statistic that suicide is the leading cause of death for men in the UK between the ages of 20 and 49. She calls for a redefinition of gender roles, where both men and women can express their full range of emotions without societal constraints. The speaker introduces the 'HeForShe' movement as a unifying force for change and encourages everyone to take action.

10:05

🌈 The 'HeForShe' Movement

The speaker concludes by emphasizing the 'HeForShe' movement as a call to action for everyone to participate in the pursuit of gender equality. She invites individuals to step forward and consider their role in the movement, asking the rhetorical questions 'If not me, who? If not now, when?' The speaker acknowledges the power of collective action and the potential for change when people unite around a common cause. She ends with a note of gratitude and a call to join the movement, highlighting the importance of unity and action in achieving gender equality.

Keywords

💡Feminism

Feminism is defined as the advocacy of women's rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men. In the video, the speaker clarifies that feminism is not about man-hating but about striving for equal rights and opportunities for both sexes. The video emphasizes that feminism is a concept that should be embraced by all who believe in equality, and it is presented as a movement for human rights.

💡Gender Equality

Gender equality refers to the state of equal ease of access to resources and opportunities regardless of gender, including social interaction and employment. The video stresses that gender equality is not just a women's issue but a human rights issue that affects everyone, including men. The speaker calls for men to participate in the conversation and work towards gender equality.

💡Goodwill Ambassador

A Goodwill Ambassador is a person who acts as a representative for a charitable organization or a humanitarian cause. The speaker mentions her role as a Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women, highlighting her commitment to advocating for gender equality and women's rights on a global platform.

💡Sexualization

Sexualization in the context of the video refers to the practice of imposing sexual characteristics on someone, often inappropriately or prematurely. The speaker recounts being sexualized by the media at a young age, which is a form of objectification and a violation of one's personal identity.

💡Gender Stereotypes

Gender stereotypes are the widely held, simplified, and often exaggerated beliefs about the characteristics, roles, and behaviors of males and females. The video discusses how these stereotypes can be limiting and harmful, leading to expectations that restrict individuals' freedom to express themselves authentically.

💡Inadvertent Feminists

Inadvertent feminists are individuals who may not identify as feminists but whose actions or beliefs support gender equality. The speaker uses this term to describe those who unknowingly contribute to the cause of feminism through their support for equal rights and opportunities for all genders.

💡HeForShe

HeForShe is a solidarity campaign for gender equality initiated by UN Women. The campaign invites men to stand in solidarity with women to end inequalities. The speaker invites men to join this movement, emphasizing that gender equality benefits everyone and that men have a role to play in achieving it.

💡Human Rights

Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms to which all individuals are entitled. The video frames the struggle for gender equality as a fight for human rights, arguing that the rights the speaker advocates for are not just for women but are fundamental rights that should be universally recognized and respected.

💡Gender Spectrum

The gender spectrum is the idea that gender exists on a continuum rather than as a binary of male and female. The speaker calls for a shift in perception to see gender as a spectrum, which allows for a more inclusive understanding of gender identities and expressions, breaking away from traditional binary notions.

💡Submissive

In the context of the video, submissive refers to the behavior of yielding to the authority or control of another person. The speaker argues against the stereotype that women should be submissive, advocating instead for a world where both men and women can be strong, sensitive, and free to express themselves without societal constraints.

💡Vulnerability

Vulnerability in the video is discussed as a human quality that is often suppressed by societal expectations, particularly for men. The speaker suggests that allowing men to be vulnerable can lead to a more authentic and complete version of themselves and can contribute to a more equal society.

Highlights

Feminism is often misunderstood as man-hating, but it should be about equal rights and opportunities for all genders.

Gender-based assumptions and stereotypes start affecting individuals at a young age, as early as childhood.

Media sexualization and societal expectations can lead to girls dropping out of sports to avoid appearing 'muscly'.

Men also face challenges in expressing their feelings due to societal norms.

The speaker identifies as a feminist and believes in the uncomplicated nature of gender equality.

Feminism has become an unpopular word, with many women choosing not to identify with it.

The speaker calls for an end to the negative connotations associated with feminism.

Despite progress, no country in the world has achieved complete gender equality.

The speaker's life is a privilege due to the support and encouragement from her parents and mentors.

The concept of 'inadvertent feminists' is introduced, highlighting those who promote gender equality without identifying as feminists.

Gender equality is not just a women's issue; it is a human rights issue that affects everyone.

Men also suffer from the constraints of gender stereotypes, which can lead to mental health issues.

The speaker extends an invitation to men to participate in the conversation about gender equality.

Gender equality should be about freedom for both men and women to express their full range of emotions and characteristics.

The 'HeForShe' movement is introduced as a unifying force for gender equality.

The speaker encourages individuals to take up the mantle of change and act on their beliefs in equality.

If no action is taken, it will take over 75 years to achieve global gender pay equality.

The speaker concludes by urging everyone to join the movement and contribute to the cause of gender equality.

Transcripts

[Music]

i was appointed as goodwill ambassador

for un women six months ago

and the more i've 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

i started questioning gender-based

assumptions a long time ago

when i was eight

i was confused being called

bossy

because i wanted to direct the plays

that we would put on for our parents

but the boys were not

when at 14

i started to be sexualized by certain

elements of the media

when at 15

my girlfriends started dropping out of

their beloved sports teams

because they didn't want to appear

muscly

one at 18

my male friends were unable to express

their feelings

i decided

that i was a feminist

and this seemed uncomplicated to me

but my recent research

has shown me

that feminism has become an unpopular

word

[Music]

women

are choosing not to identify as feminist

[Music]

apparently i am among the ranks of women

whose expressions are seen as too strong

too aggressive

isolating

and

anti-men unattractive

why

has the word become such an

uncomfortable one

i am from britain

and i think it is right that i am paid

the same as my male counterparts

i think it is right

that i should be able to make decisions

about my own body

i think it is right

that women be involved on my behalf

in the policies and the decisions that

will affect my life

i think it is right

that socially

i am afforded the same respect as men

but sadly

i can say

that there is no one country in the

world

where all women can expect to receive

these

rights no country in the world can yet

say

that they have achieved gender equality

these rights

i consider to be human rights

but i am one of the lucky ones

my life is a sheer privilege

because my parents didn't love me less

because i was born a daughter

my school did not limit me

because i was a girl

my mentors didn't assume that i would go

less far because i might give birth to a

child one day

these influencers with a gender equality

ambassadors that made me who i am today

they may not know it

but they are the inadvertent feminists

who are changing the world today

we need more of those

and if you still hate the word

it is not the word

that is important

it's the idea and the ambition behind it

because not all women have received the

same rights that i have

in fact

statistically

very few have been

in 1997

hillary clinton made a famous speech in

beijing about women's rights

sadly

many of the things that she wanted to

change

are still true today

but what stood out for me the most

was that less than 30 percent

of the audience

were male

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

[Music]

because to date

i've seen my father's role as a parent

being valued less by society

despite my needing his presence as a

child as much as my mother's

i've seen young men

suffering from mental illness

unable to ask for help for fear it would

make them

less of a men or less of a man

in fact in the uk

suicide

is the biggest killer of men between 20

to 49

eclipsing road accidents

cancer

and coronary heart disease

i've seen men made fragile and insecure

by a distorted sense

of what constitutes

male success

men don't have the benefits of equality

either

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

if men don't have to be aggressive

in order to be accepted

women won't feel compelled to be

submissive

[Music]

if men don't have to control

women won't have to be controlled

both men and women should feel free to

be sensitive

both men and women should feel free to

be strong

it is time that we all perceive gender

on a spectrum

instead of two sets of opposing

ideals

[Music]

if if we stop defining each other by

what we are not

and start defining ourselves by who we

are

we can all be freer

and this is what he she is about

it's about freedom

i want men to take up this mantle

so that their daughters sisters and

mothers can be free from prejudice

but also so that their sons have

permission to be vulnerable and human

too

reclaim those parts themselves they

abandoned

and in doing so

be a more true and complete version of

themselves

you might be thinking

who is this harry potter girl

and

what is she doing speaking at the un and

it's a really good question

i've been asking myself the same thing

all i know

is that i care about this problem

and i want to make it better

and having seen what i've seen

and given the chance

i feel it is my responsibility

to say something

statesman edmund burke said

all that is needed for the forces of

evil to triumph

is for good men and women

to do nothing

[Music]

in my nervousness for this speech

and in my moments of doubt

[Music]

i've told myself firmly

[Music]

if not me

who

if not now

when

[Music]

if you have similar doubts when

opportunities are presented to you

i hope that those words will be helpful

because

[Music]

the reality is

that if we do nothing

it will take 75 years

or for me to be nearly a hundred

before women can expect to be paid the

same as men

for the same work

15.5 million girls will be married in

the next 16 years

as children

and at current rates

it won't be until 2086

before all rural african girls can have

a secondary education

if you believe

in equality

you might be one of those inadvertent

feminists that i spoke of earlier

and for this

i applaud you

we are struggling for a uniting word

but the good news is

that we have a uniting movement

it is called he for she

i am inviting you to step forward

to be seen

and to ask yourself

if not me

who

if not now

when

thank you very very much

[Applause]

[Music]