Yahoo Lifestyle Emma Watson Discusses Her UN Speech
Emma Watson. Photo: Getty Images.
[marie-claire/news-and-views/latest/a/25073287/emma-watson-gives-powerful-speech-on-gender-equality/|Emma Watson made headlines around the world|target=_blank] when she gave a powerful speech on gender equality at the United Nations headquarters last month.
Speaking on behalf of the organisation, [marie-claire/news-and-views/latest/a/25073287/emma-watson-gives-powerful-speech-on-gender-equality/|Watson launched the "HeForShe" campaign|target=_blank], which aims to encourage boys and men to join the fight for gender equality.
"We must try to mobilise as many men and boys as possible to be advocates for change," Watson said at the time. "We don't just want to talk about it. We want to try and make sure it's tangible."
In a new interview with ELLE UK, Watson said she was "very nervous" before giving the speech, but felt it was necessary to bring attention to the pressing issue of gender equality.
"I was very nervous," Watson admitted. "It wasn't an easy thing for me to do. It felt like, 'Am I going to have lunch with these people, or am I going to be eaten? Am I the lunch?'"
Watson credited her upbringing with her strong beliefs, saying she was "lucky" her opinion at the dinner table was valuable.
"My mum and I spoke as loudly as my brothers," Watson said.
While the actress has since been threatened for making the speech, Watson said she hoped it had made a difference.
"Feminism is not here to dictate to you," Watson explained. "It's not prescriptive, it's not dogmatic. All we are here to do is give you a choice. If you want to run for President, you can. If you don't, that's wonderful, too."
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Emma Watson gives powerful speech on gender equality
