The main goal of the speech was to launch a worldwide campaign entitled “HeForShe” which aims to join men and boys with women and girls in the fight against global gender inequality. The launch of the campaign was not the sole important point she aimed to make, though; Watson also stressed the importance of the true meaning of the actual definition of feminism.
In her speech, Watson said, “…feminism, by definition, is the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities. It is the theory of political, economic, and social equality of the sexes.” “Equal” is the key term in this definition. It is disheartening that feminism has been misconstrued into the idea of a battle between women vs. men, when the true purpose of its efforts is to work towards total equality among all.
She addressed the disappointing yet all too true fact that in this day and age, too often the terms “feminism” and “feminist” are words that promote a terrifyingly dangerous concept; and they should be avoided at all costs if women and girls wish to avoid total discrimination and isolation. This “concept” is simply that feminists are bossy, overbearing, and overambitious “man-haters.” She clarified that true and valiant feminists fight for gender equality; they don’t work towards woman beating men at any sort of competition this fight is often portrayed as.
Watson said, “I decided I was a feminist and this seemed uncomplicated to me. But my recent research has shown me that feminism has become an unpopular word. Apparently I am among the ranks of women whose expressions are seen as too strong, too aggressive, isolating, anti-men and, unattractive.”
She continued with, “…it is right that as a woman I am paid the same as my male counterparts. I think it is right that I should be able to make decisions about my own body. I think it is right that women be involved on my behalf in the policies and decision-making of my country. I think it is right that socially I am afforded the same respect as men. But sadly I can say that there is no one country in the world where all women can expect to receive these rights.”
One of the most important steps that must be taken on the road to gender equality and the HeForShe campaign’s primary goal is for men and women to work together. Men must begin to serve as allies to women in this feministic effort to create a united front. If these efforts towards equality are taken together between both genders, more people will be motivated to become involved and success will be accomplished.
With the multiple instances of sexual violence against women and the recent discussion of the need for true equal compensation among genders, these issues of feminism’s misconception and the importance of its application into the lives of people everywhere are extremely prevalent in current times. Real results and well-earned success is going to come about if men and boys stand with women and girls as allies in the efforts towards gender equality. Watson’s goal is to join men and women together in order to rid the world of the conception of a battle between genders and the idea of “us vs. them.”
“I believe it is essential to the success of this campaign that men are a part of it. To be seen as equal, we have to be seen as one and not divided by gender. If men aren’t a part of the HeForShe campaign then it doesn’t exist, and it shows a lack of support and understanding. This lack of understanding and the impact of words is what has divided us for decades,” said Nikii Lewis, Saint Leo University’s Administrator for the Center for Academic Excellence.
The hope for the future is that women overcome their fears in order to speak up for what they believe in and to fight this fight and also that men develop the courage to stand with women in these efforts. If you are a male who wishes to take part in the “HeForShe” campaign, visit www.heforshe.org to pledge your commitment to this action. According to the campaign’s site, The HeForShe Commitment states, “Gender equality is not only a women’s issue, it is a human rights issue that requires my participation. I commit to take action against all forms of violence and discrimination faced by women and girls.” Pledge, commit, and join the fight for gender equality; make the world a better and more just place.
