6 things we’ve learned from Emma Watson’s awesome International Women’s Day Q&A session

By Maria Kyriacou

6 things we’ve learned from Emma Watson’s awesome International Women’s Day Q&A session
Emma Watson's Q&A session augments her place as a modern feminist voice

Emma Watson has gained widespread praise for highlighting gender equality issues in a phenomenal Q&A session via her Facebook page.

The actress and passionate advocate for equality welcomed questions from fans and said her HeForShe movement was a call for solidarity from one half of humanity to the other.

This cements Watson as a voice against the patriarchy, following on from her impressive speech at the United Nations last September. Hermione has done good!

Here are 6 key take-outs from Emma’s speech:

 

Men need to lend their support

HeForShe – Watson clarified her call to arms for men. “It’s not about men saving women,” she said “Women are already in the Club.” It’s about tackling male stereotypes that reinforce sexism of women so there can be a better outcome for both sexes.

 

You’re most probably a feminist 

To those who say they believe in equality but don’t identify as a feminist (Hiya Julie Bishop) Emma says, “ Sorry to tell you you’re a feminist.” It’s simple as that. She also says we need to stop equating feminists with man-hating.

 

She’s not a quitter, and won’t go quietly.

Just 12 hours after her UN speech Watson was threatened with a leak of nude pictures. Knowing it was a hoax she said it only fuelled her activist fire, “People thought I’d be disheartened by this – but if anything it made me so much more determined.

 

She’s also fighting for the LGBT community

Although her primary focus is on women and girls, she believes HeForShe could impact positively on issues facing the LGBT community as feminine qualities are currently given less value in society.

“Femininity needs to be embraced wherever it is … whether it be in a man or a woman or a non-conforming gender person.”

 

Chivalry is not dead

There is a distinction between chivalry and sexism.

“Chivalry is consensual and only becomes a problem when people expect things to be a certain way and to follow the status quo.”

 

Gender defining begins early and this needs to change

Children are told what to be and how to behave from a very young age. Watson believes there’s an issue with how the sexes are educated and hopes there will be an adjustment sooner rather than later.

“Just encourage and include each other, don’t ostracise the gender in front of you.”

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