Emma Watson is widely known for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter movie series. Her role in the movie was essentially what she grew up to be, a strong, independent, and voice that matters.
At a very young age, she already started advocating the issues related to gender equality. Her movie choices such as the movie adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women and the revamped version Belle in the 2017 live-action hit Beauty & the Beast also highlight the message and ideology she stands for.
She was also chosen as a Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women in July of 2014. In September 2014, she delivered a very powerful message through her speech at the UN headquarters for the HeForShe campaign that strives for more men talking and supporting the idea of feminism and gender equality.
On the occasion of her 31st Birthday, remembering 5 times Emma Watson being a strong voice for feminism and gender equality.
- “We want to empower women to do exactly what they want, to be true to themselves, to have the opportunities to develop. Women should feel free. There is no typical feminist, there is nothing anywhere that says you have to meet a certain [set of] criteria.” – Emma Watson, Elle UK, December 2014
- “I am from Britain and think it is right that as a woman 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 decision-making of my country. 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,” – Emma Watson, 2014 HeForShe UN Speech
- “This isn’t just, ‘girls are better than boys, boys are better than girls.’ This is just, ‘everyone deserves a fair chance.’’ – Emma Watson, Entertainment Weekly 2017
- “If you stand for equality, then you’re a feminist. Sorry to tell you.” – Emma Watson in a Facebook Chat, Women’s Day 2015
- “Women and girls have always faced hurdles. But that’s never stopped us. We’ve sacrificed, fought, campaigned, succeeded, been knocked back, and succeeded again. In a race for justice, we’ve leapt over countless obstacles to win our rights.” – Emma Watson for a short film, Hurdles
These are just a few instances out of many when the actor voiced her opinions and conveyed her message. She has ever since been a prominent voice for feminism and gender equality.
