We want to end gender inequality, and to do this, we need everyone involved. This is the first campaign of its kind at the U.N. We want to try and galvanize as many men and boys as possible to be advocates for change. And we don’t just want to talk about it. We want to try and make sure that it’s tangible.
I was appointed as Goodwill Ambassador for U.N. Women six months ago. And the more I’ve spoken about feminism, the more I have realized that fighting for women’s rights has too often become synonymous with man-hating. . . .
Feminism by definition is the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities. It is the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes. . . .
I think it is right that 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 the decisions that will affect my life. 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. No country in the world can yet say that they have achieved gender equality. . . .
Men, I would like to take this opportunity to extend your formal invitation. Gender equality is your issue too. . . . We don’t often talk about men being imprisoned by gender stereotypes, but I can see that they are, and that when they are free, things will change for women as a natural consequence. . . .
Both men and women should feel free to be sensitive. Both men and women should feel free to be strong. . . . If we stop defining each other by what we are not, and start defining ourselves by who we are, we can all be freer, and this is what HeForShe is about. It’s about freedom. . . .
You might be thinking, “Who is this Harry Potter girl, and what is she doing speaking at the U.N.?” and it’s a really good question. I’ve been asking myself the same thing.
All I know is that I care about this problem, and I want to make it better. And . . . given the chance, I feel it is my responsibility to say something. . . .
I am inviting you to step forward, to be seen, and to ask yourself, “If not me, who? If not now, when?”