English Speech | Emma Watson: Gender Equality (English Subtitles)

Embracing the Tangle of Perplexity

In the labyrinth of societal norms and expectations, the call for gender equality echoes. But let's not merely echo; let's create a symphony of change. The complexity of this issue demands that we embrace perplexity—challenge the norms, question the assumptions, and dare to venture into the unknown.

At the helm of this revolution is an urgent plea: we need everyone on board. The UN's groundbreaking campaign is not just about lip service; it's a rallying cry to galvanize men and boys as advocates for gender equality. No more mere talk; it's time to make equality tangible, a living, breathing reality.

Bursting the Bubble of Stereotypes

Let's unravel the threads of gender-based assumptions that have tightly bound us. Remember being called "bossy" at eight because you dared to direct plays? Or the discomfort of being sexualized at 14? These are the bursts of inequality that punctuate our lives. It's not just about women; it's about men too—unable to express feelings at 18, trapped in the shackles of societal expectations.

In the realm of burstiness, we find the power to break free. It's about defying stereotypes, about men being as vulnerable as they are strong. Suicide as the leading cause of death for young men—let's burst the bubble of silence around mental health. When men are free from stereotypes, it's not just men who benefit; it's a domino effect that liberates women from prescribed roles.

The Unpredictable Path to Equality

Feminism—a word that carries weight, yet its essence often gets lost in the discomfort it provokes. Why does this discomfort persist? It's a global issue, not confined to borders. Inequalities persist worldwide. Let's unpredictably redefine feminism as an idea, not just a word. It's not about being anti-men; it's about being pro-humanity. The unpredictability lies in embracing the uncomfortable and steering the conversation towards equality.

Born in Britain, I believe in being paid equally, having autonomy over my body, and having a voice in policy-making. Yet, I'm privileged—many women worldwide are not. It's time to break free from the predictability of slow progress. Not one country can claim gender equality. The rights I consider human rights are still a distant dream for millions.

The HeForShe Movement: An Invitation to Freedom

As I stand before you, not as a wizard but as an advocate for change, I extend a formal invitation. Men, this is your issue too. It's about valuing fathers as much as mothers, eradicating the stigma around mental health, and redefining success. It's about breaking the chains of gender stereotypes so that both men and women can be free—free to be sensitive, strong, and everything in between.

In the words of Edmund Burke, "All that is needed for the forces of evil to triumph is for enough good men and women to do nothing." Doubt not your qualifications or the timing. If not you, then who? If not now, then when? The clock is ticking. Without action, equality remains a distant mirage, an unrealized dream for millions of women.

In conclusion, let's not just applaud inadvertent feminists but become intentional advocates for change. The uniting word may elude us, but the HeForShe movement is our unifying force. Step forward, be the voice, be the change. If not you, who? If not now, when?

Thank you for being a part of the revolution.