Emma Watson's Speech on Gender Equality | ENGLISH SPEECH with BIG Subtitles

Summary

In her speech as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, the speaker addresses the misconception that feminism equates to man-hating and clarifies it as the fight for gender equality. She recounts personal experiences that led her to embrace feminism and challenges the stigma around the term. Emphasizing the importance of involving men in the conversation, she calls for a collective effort to dismantle gender stereotypes for the benefit of all, highlighting the 'HeForShe' movement as a unifying force for change.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The speaker was appointed as a goodwill ambassador for UN Women and emphasizes the need to redefine feminism as a movement for equality, not man-hating.
• 📚 Feminism is defined as the belief in political, economic, and social equality of the sexes, aiming for equal rights and opportunities for all genders.
• 👶 The speaker's questioning of gender norms began at a young age, highlighting the early impact of societal expectations on both boys and girls.
• 🚫 The term 'feminist' has become unpopular and is often misunderstood as being too aggressive or anti-men, which the speaker aims to challenge.
• 👏 The speaker advocates for equal pay, bodily autonomy, and involvement in policy decisions that affect women's lives, as fundamental human rights.
• 🌍 The reality is that no country has achieved true gender equality, and these rights are still a struggle for many women worldwide.
• 🏆 The speaker acknowledges her own privilege and the role of inadvertent feminists in shaping her beliefs and opportunities.
• 🤝 An invitation is extended to men to join the conversation on gender equality, emphasizing that it is an issue that affects everyone, not just women.
• 💪 The speaker calls for the dismantling of gender stereotypes that confine both men and women, advocating for a spectrum of gender expression.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 Men also suffer from the constraints of gender norms, and the speaker points out the negative impacts on mental health and societal roles.
• 🔍 The 'HeForShe' movement is introduced as a unifying force for gender equality, encouraging individuals to take action and make a difference.

Q & A

What is the primary definition of feminism according to the speaker?

Feminism, by definition, is the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities, encompassing the theory of political, economic, and social equality of the sexes.

At what age did the speaker start questioning gender-based assumptions?

The speaker started questioning gender-based assumptions when she was 8 years old, after being called 'bossy' for wanting to direct plays.

What issues did the speaker's friends face at the age of 15?

At 15, the speaker's female friends started dropping out of their beloved sports teams because they didn't want to appear 'muscly', indicating societal pressures on girls' body image.

Why did the speaker decide to become a feminist?

The speaker decided to become a feminist after witnessing various forms of gender inequality and realizing the need for change, which seemed uncomplicated to her.

What misconception about feminism does the speaker address in the script?

The speaker addresses the misconception that feminism is synonymous with 'man-hating', emphasizing that it should be about equality and not hostility towards men.

What does the speaker believe should be the societal response to gender equality?

The speaker believes that gender equality is not just a women's issue but also a men's issue, and that both genders should feel free to be sensitive and strong without societal constraints.

Why does the speaker think men should be involved in the conversation about gender equality?

The speaker thinks men should be involved because they too are affected by gender stereotypes and can contribute to change by challenging these stereotypes and supporting equality.

What is the 'HeForShe' movement mentioned by the speaker?

The 'HeForShe' movement is a unifying campaign inviting men to step forward and support gender equality, emphasizing that it is a collective issue that affects both men and women.

What is the speaker's view on the current state of gender equality worldwide?

The speaker states that sadly, there is no country in the world where all women can expect to receive equal rights, and no country has yet achieved true gender equality.

How does the speaker describe the impact of gender stereotypes on men?

The speaker describes how gender stereotypes make men feel fragile and insecure, causing them to suppress their emotions and leading to issues such as mental health problems and a distorted sense of male success.

What is the speaker's call to action for the audience?

The speaker calls on the audience, particularly men, to take up the mantle of gender equality, to allow themselves and others to be free from prejudice, and to embrace a more complete version of themselves.

Outlines

00:00

🌟 Feminism Misconceptions and Equality

This paragraph addresses the misconception that feminism equates to man-hating, clarifying that true feminism is about advocating for equal rights and opportunities for both sexes. The speaker shares personal experiences that led to her embracing feminism, from being labeled 'bossy' as a child to witnessing gender stereotypes affecting both men and women. She emphasizes the importance of gender equality as a human right and acknowledges the privilege in her own life that has allowed her to speak on this issue. The paragraph concludes with a call to action, inviting men to participate in the conversation for gender equality, recognizing that it is an issue that affects everyone.

05:01

🙌 Inviting Men to the Gender Equality Conversation

The speaker extends a formal invitation to men to join the conversation on gender equality, highlighting that it is not just a women's issue but a societal one. She discusses the negative impacts of gender stereotypes on men, such as undervalued parental roles, mental health struggles, and societal expectations of aggression. The paragraph emphasizes the need for a spectrum of gender expression, rather than binary opposing ideals, and argues that true equality will benefit both men and women. The speaker also shares her motivations for speaking at the UN and encourages others to take action against gender inequality, referencing the statistic that it could take until 2086 for rural African girls to have secondary education at the current rate.

10:03

🔄 The HeForShe Movement and Collective Action

In this final paragraph, the speaker introduces the HeForShe movement as a unifying force for gender equality, inviting individuals to step forward and take part in the cause. She acknowledges the struggle for a uniting word but emphasizes the importance of the movement itself. The speaker encourages self-reflection and action, asking the audience to consider their role in promoting equality. The paragraph concludes with a heartfelt thank you, expressing gratitude for the support of those who are inadvertent feminists and urging continued collective effort towards gender equality.

Keywords

💡Goodwill Ambassador

A goodwill ambassador is a person appointed to promote a certain cause or organization, often using their influence to raise awareness and support. In the video, the speaker mentions being appointed as a goodwill ambassador for UN Women, which indicates her role in advocating for gender equality and women's rights.

💡Feminism

Feminism is a social, political, and cultural movement that seeks to establish equal rights and opportunities for women. The speaker clarifies that feminism is about equality between the sexes and not about man-hating, as it is sometimes misconstrued. The video emphasizes the importance of feminism in the pursuit of gender equality.

💡Gender Equality

Gender equality refers to the equal rights, opportunities, and treatment of individuals, regardless of their gender. The video's theme revolves around the concept of gender equality, with the speaker discussing the need for equal rights and opportunities for both men and women.

💡Stereotypes

Stereotypes are widely held but fixed and oversimplified ideas or beliefs about a particular group. The script discusses how gender-based stereotypes have affected the speaker and others, such as girls being called 'bossy' or boys being unable to express their feelings, illustrating the impact of stereotypes on gender equality.

💡Equal Rights

Equal rights is the principle that all individuals are entitled to the same legal rights and protections. The speaker mentions equal rights as a fundamental aspect of feminism and gender equality, emphasizing that these rights are currently not universally granted to women.

💡Opportunities

Opportunities refer to the chances or conditions favorable for the success or development of an individual or group. The video argues for equal opportunities for both genders, highlighting the importance of access to education, career advancement, and decision-making roles.

💡Gender-Based Assumptions

Gender-based assumptions are preconceived notions about the roles, abilities, or behaviors of individuals based on their gender. The speaker recounts personal experiences where such assumptions were challenged, demonstrating how these assumptions can limit individuals and perpetuate inequality.

💡Inadvertent Feminists

Inadvertent feminists are individuals who may not explicitly identify as feminists but whose actions or beliefs contribute to the advancement of gender equality. The speaker acknowledges the role of such individuals in her life and the broader movement for equality.

💡HeForShe

HeForShe is a solidarity campaign for gender equality initiated by UN Women, inviting men to support the cause. The speaker extends an invitation to men to join the movement, emphasizing that gender equality is not just a women's issue but a collective concern.

💡Prejudice

Prejudice refers to a preconceived opinion or judgment not based on reason or actual experience. The video discusses the prejudice faced by women and the need to overcome these biases to achieve true equality and freedom for all genders.

💡Vulnerability

Vulnerability is the state of being open to attack or damage, but in the context of the video, it also refers to the emotional openness and the ability to express one's feelings without fear of judgment. The speaker encourages men to embrace vulnerability as a natural part of being human, which can contribute to a more equal society.

Highlights

Feminism is often misinterpreted as man-hating, but it should be about equality between men and women.

Feminism is defined as the belief in political, economic, and social equality of the sexes.

The speaker began questioning gender norms at the age of 8 when she was labeled 'bossy' for wanting to lead.

At 14, the speaker experienced sexualization by the media, highlighting the early onset of gender stereotypes.

Girls at 15 dropped out of sports to avoid appearing 'muscly', illustrating societal pressures on female body image.

At 18, male friends were unable to express their feelings, showing the impact of gender norms on emotional expression.

The speaker identifies as a feminist, believing in the uncomplicated goal of gender equality.

Research reveals that feminism has become an unpopular term, with women avoiding the label due to negative connotations.

The speaker calls for a reevaluation of the word 'feminism', emphasizing the importance of the idea behind it.

Gender equality is a human right that the speaker believes should be afforded to all, regardless of gender.

No country in the world has achieved true gender equality, indicating a global issue.

The speaker acknowledges her privileged life, attributing it to the support of inadvertent feminists in her life.

The 'HeForShe' movement is introduced as a unifying force for gender equality, inviting men to participate.

Men also suffer from the constraints of gender stereotypes, affecting their mental health and societal roles.

The speaker advocates for a spectrum of gender, rather than opposing ideals, to foster freedom and equality.

She calls on men to embrace vulnerability and reject the pressure to conform to aggressive stereotypes.

The speaker uses her platform to raise awareness and inspire action towards gender equality.

She encourages individuals to take responsibility and act when opportunities arise to promote change.

The 'HeForShe' campaign is presented as a collective movement where everyone can contribute to equality.

Transcripts

I was appointed as goodwill ambassador

for UN Women 6 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 8 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 while at

14 I started to be sexualized by certain

elements of the media when at 15 my

girlfriend's started dropping out of

their beloved sports teams because they

didn't want to appear muscley when 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 women are choosing not to identify

as feminists apparently I am among the

ranks of women whose expressions are

seen as too strong too aggressive

isolating and anti-men unattractive even

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

[Applause]

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's 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 influences with agenda 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

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 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

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 Heath

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 to reclaim those

parts of 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

in my nervousness for this speech and in

my moments of doubt I've told myself

firmly if not me who if not now when if

you have similar doubts when

opportunities are presented to you I

hope that those words will be helpful

because the reality is that if we do

nothing it will take 75 years or for me

it to be nearly a hundred before women

can expect to be paid the same as men

for the same work fifteen point five

million girls will be married in the

next 16 years as children and at current

rates it won't be until two thousand and

eighty six 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