Malala Yousafzai and Emma Watson in Conversation: “We all have to work together for change to come.”

By Kate Hassett

Malala Yousafzai and Emma Watson in Conversation: “We all have to work together for change to come.”
Not just a movie, but a movement - Malala speaks to Emma Watson about her goals for the future.

At a recent film screening of Malala Yousafzai’s documentary “He Named Me Malala”, Emma Watson interviewed Malala, discussing everything from eduction and life goals, to gender equality.

Watson shared the interview on her Facebook page earlier this week.

When the Nobel Peace Prize winner was asked what tangible goals she hopes to achieve in her lifetime, she responded with a simple, straightforward dream: “I want to see every child get a quality education, and in order to make sure their dream comes true, we have to work hard, and take action.”

This action, according to Malala, included throwing away the stigma attached to the word ‘feminism’ and supporting women and children around the globe to ensure that change is enacted.

Yousafzai confided in Watson, stating that she herself had struggled to identify with the archaic notion of what the word ‘feminist’ meant, but upon hearing Watson’s He For She speech, had finally found her calling.

“This word ‘feminism’ has been a very tricky word,” Yousafzai told Watson. “When I heard it the first time, I heard some negative responses and some positive ones. And I hesitated in saying ‘am I a feminist or not?’ And then after hearing your speech, when you said ‘If not now when? If not me who?’ I decided that there’s nothing wrong by calling yourself a feminist.”

Watson responded with gratitude, stating that people around the world have forgotten the true meaning of feminism, to which Malala responded, “I am a feminist and we should all be feminists because feminism is another word for equality.”

Equality, is a measure of change that Malala wants to see men take part in. And not just on the sidelines supporting the women who call for it, but part of the movement itself. She spoke about how her own father inspires her quest for equality and her perseverance to see change in the world.

“My father has set an example to all parents,”she said. “If we want equality, if we want equal rights for women then men have to step forward…We all have to work together for change to come.”

The pair concluded that in order to change mentality and provide a safe passage for future generations, gender barriers need to be broken down.

“Your gender should not create any difficulty in the choices that you make,” Yousafzai said. “It’s about equality, it’s about feminism, it’s about saying that we’re all human beings. Why would you separate us just because our gender is different?”

Watson agreed, stating that feminism has become “factionalised” and needs to realise that they are all working towards the same goal.

“Let’s not make it scary to say you’re a feminist. I want to make it a welcome and inclusive movement. Let’s join our hands and move together so we can make real change. Malala and I are pretty serious about it but we need you.”

 

 

 

 

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