British actress Emma Watson, known famously for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series, spoke at the United Nations during their campaign launch “HeForShe,” which promotes women’s rights among men, on September 20, 2014.
The actress, who has been appointed as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador some 6 months ago, talked about how important it is to galvanize as many man and boys as possible to take a stand for women.
“We want to try and make sure that it’s tangible,” Watson said.
“The more I have spoked about feminism, the more I have realized that fighting for women’s rights has too often become synonymous with man-hating,” Watson said.
Acknowledging the possibility of her audience wondering what a “Harry Potter girl” is doing giving a speech at the U.N., Watson spoke with poise and without looking at her paper.
“All I know is that I care about this problem, and I want to make it better. Having seen what I’ve seen and given the chance I feel it is my responsibility to say something,” Watson continued.
As the 24-year-old was walking away from the podium, she received a standing ovation.
