Emma Watson speech for HeForShe Second Year Anniversary (20/9/16)

Summary

In this heartfelt speech, Emma Watson reflects on her two years with the HeforShe movement, highlighting both the challenges and triumphs. She celebrates the progress made towards gender equality, citing powerful moments like media coverage, global pledges, and the lighting of the Empire State Building. Watson emphasizes the importance of female leadership, with historical milestones in politics, and urges continued commitment to gender equality. She shares her pride in being part of the movement and thanks all involved for their contributions, leaving a hopeful message about the future of gender equality.

Takeaways

• 😀 Emma Watson expresses her overwhelming gratitude for those who have contributed to the HeforShe movement, which has been one of the most heartwarming moments of her year.
• 😀 Being a part of HeforShe for two years has been an incredible learning experience, with both challenging and rewarding moments.
• 😀 The HeforShe movement has gained significant global attention, with high-profile figures like the UN Secretary-General, EU Commission, NATO Secretary-General, and heads of state involved.
• 😀 HeforShe has had a substantial online presence, crashing the UN website multiple times and gaining 2 billion media impressions.
• 😀 The movement has successfully lit up the Empire State Building, made 'HeForShe' a term in the Urban Dictionary, and reached 1.1 million pledged commitments to gender equality.
• 😀 Emma Watson highlights the invaluable advice and broadened perspective she gained from the global feminist community.
• 😀 The movement reinforces the idea that we are all linked to a long history of people who made sacrifices to contribute to modern society.
• 😀 Emma Watson expresses her surprise and excitement at the recent cultural shifts, including major companies like Bud Light supporting gender equality and equal pay in their campaigns.
• 😀 Watson mentions the possibility of having a female president in the US, a female prime minister in the UK, and potentially the first female UN Secretary-General, as significant milestones for gender equality.
• 😀 The script emphasizes the importance of having real-life examples of female leaders, like Michelle Obama, to inspire girls and boys around the world.
• 😀 Emma Watson encourages everyone to recommit to the goal of gender equality, acknowledging that progress has been made but the work is far from over.

Q & A

What is the main message Emma Watson conveys in her speech?

Emma Watson emphasizes the importance of gender equality and the progress made by the HeForShe movement. She highlights her pride in being part of the movement and urges others to recommit to the cause of gender equality.

How has Emma Watson been involved with the HeForShe movement?

Emma Watson has been involved with HeForShe for two years, serving as a Goodwill Ambassador. She has contributed through speeches, advocacy, and supporting the global movement for gender equality.

What specific achievements of the HeForShe movement are mentioned in the speech?

The HeForShe movement has achieved significant milestones, such as crashing the UN website, lighting up the Empire State Building, making 'HeForShe' a term in the Urban Dictionary, and generating over two billion media impressions. The movement has also garnered pledges from over 1.1 million people and commitments from universities and companies to prioritize gender equality.

What does Emma Watson learn from the 'hard moments' in the HeForShe movement?

Emma Watson mentions that the 'hard moments' have provided valuable lessons, including discovering a wide spectrum of amazing feminists, gaining invaluable advice, and reinforcing the belief that everyone is connected in the struggle for gender equality.

How does Emma Watson describe the progress in gender equality in recent years?

Emma Watson notes that there has been a seismic shift in culture regarding gender equality, citing examples such as companies like Bud Light promoting gender equality, the potential for a female president in the US, a female prime minister in the UK, and possibly a female UN Secretary-General.

Why does Emma Watson feel proud to be part of the HeForShe movement?

Emma Watson expresses that being part of HeForShe is one of her proudest achievements, as it has brought her closer to gender equality and allowed her to witness tangible changes in society.

How does Emma Watson feel about the role of women in political leadership?

Emma Watson feels optimistic about the future of women in political leadership, citing examples of women potentially becoming the first female US president, UK prime minister, and UN Secretary-General. She sees these developments as examples that can inspire future generations.

What does Emma Watson say about the potential of achieving a gender-equal world?

Emma Watson believes that a gender-equal world is within reach and that significant progress has already been made in the last two years. She expresses confidence that the efforts of HeForShe participants are helping bring this goal closer to reality.

What does Emma Watson request from the audience at the end of her speech?

At the end of her speech, Emma Watson asks the audience to recommit themselves to gender equality and to continue supporting the HeForShe movement in order to further advance gender equality globally.

What examples of high-profile supporters does Emma Watson mention in her speech?

Emma Watson mentions several high-profile figures who have supported the HeForShe movement, including the UN Secretary-General, EU Commission, NATO Secretary-General, the President of the International Olympic Committee, heads of state, politicians, and celebrities like Usain Bolt and Tom Hanks.