Emma Watson, actor, UN Goodwill ambassador and feminist with a capital F is hosting an event for International Women’s Day (Sunday March 8) in London, she revealed on her Facebook page.
Lucky attendees – who must submit a story on how they are personally making an impact to advance gender equality to be selected– will get the chance to talk to Emma about her campaign HeForShe and gender equality.
Watson, 24, who came to fame playing the clever and brave Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series of films, has been garnering headlines for her work with the United Nations on gender equality.
Her speech last year in which she launched her HeForShe campaign went viral around the world. In it she implored women not to be afraid to call themselves feminist because they might be seen as too bossy, too man-hating, too much, and for men to stand behind them. Gender equality, she said, is a fight for everybody.
“I was appointed six months ago and the more I have 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,” said Watson at the time.
And people want to hear her message.
Last month actor Steve Carell wore a pair of HeForShe cufflinks to the Oscars. Watson’ handwritten note to Carrell was all everybody was talking about after the Oscars (polite as well as a movie star/beautiful/feminist the world mused).
@SteveCarell #HeForShe @MONIQUEPEAN #OscarsCufflinks pic.twitter.com/W5TcnteQwK
— Emma Watson (@EmWatson) February 22, 2015
When Watson was linked romantically to Prince Harry by gossip magazines earlier this year, Watson’s wry tweet about women not needing a prince to become a princess was another message to women about not relying on men for a full and happy life.
WORLD ♥ Remember that little talk we had about not believing everything written in the media?! — Emma Watson (@EmWatson) February 22, 2015
also….. marrying a Prince not a prerequisite for being a Princess. https://t.co/vjodTAgEcC – Courtesy of Alfonso Cuaron.
— Emma Watson (@EmWatson) February 22, 2015
Perhaps best of all, Watson appreciates the support that her fans have shown her, saying in a video posted to her Facebook page,
“Thank you so much for all of your support and participation so far,” she said. “It’s been absolutely amazing, and an amazing adventure, journey and experience for me. So thank you, thank you. You guys are awesome.”
