Emma Watson’s HeForShe Speech

Emma Watson started a campaign called HeForShe at the United Nations. She asked everyone
to help stop unfair treatment between men and women. This campaign is special because it
wants men and boys to join and help make real changes, not just talk about them.

Emma became a Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women six months ago. She learned that
many people think feminism means hating men, but that is wrong. Feminism means believing
men and women should have equal rights and chances.

Emma shared her own story. When she was eight, she was called “bossy” for leading, but boys
were not called that. When she was 14, the media focused on her looks. When she was 15, her
friends stopped playing sports because they didn’t want to look strong. At 18, her male friends
found it hard to show feelings.

Emma decided she is a feminist because she believes in equality. But she knows some women
don’t like the word “feminism” because they think it sounds too strong or against men. Emma
says women should be paid the same as men, make their own choices, and be respected
equally.

No country in the world has full gender equality yet. Emma feels lucky because her family and
school treated her fairly. She thanks the people who helped her—they are “inadvertent
feminists,” helping change the world.

Emma says even if people don’t like the word feminism, the idea of equality is very important.
Many women still don’t have the same rights she has.

She also talked about a speech by Hillary Clinton in 1995. Sadly, many problems still exist.
Emma noticed there were very few men listening to Clinton. She says men must be part of the
change too.
Emma invited men to join because gender equality helps everyone. She talked about how men
also suffer from unfair ideas. For example, men often feel they cannot show emotions or ask for
help. In the UK, many men die by suicide more than by accidents or diseases.

Emma says both men and women are trapped by old ideas about how they should be. If men
can be sensitive and strong, women won’t have to be quiet or weak. We should see gender as a
range, not just two opposite groups. We should accept who we really are.

Emma wants men to help so their daughters, sisters, and mothers can be free from unfairness.
Also, their sons can be free to be themselves.

Some people ask why Emma, known as “the Harry Potter girl,” is speaking at the U.N. She says
she cares and feels it is her job to speak up. She quoted a famous man who said bad things
happen when good people do nothing.

Emma was nervous but told herself, “If not me, who? If not now, when?” She wants others to
feel this way too.

If we do nothing, it will take 75 years for women to get equal pay. Millions of girls will be married
as children soon. And many girls won’t finish school for a long time.

Emma thanks people who believe in equality. They are “inadvertent feminists.” The word
feminism may be hard for some, but the movement HeForShe brings everyone together. She
invites everyone to join and ask: “If not me, who? If not now, when?”

Task1:Which of the words given(i-iii) best fits the meaning of the word from the text?
(strand i. Identify explicit and implicit information)

a) Campaign

●​ i) A group of people
●​ ii) An organized effort to achieve a goal
●​ iii) A speech

b) Equality

●​ i) Treating everyone the same way

c) Stereotype

●​ i) A fair and true description

Task 2:Reflect on the ideas and respond thoughtfully to the prompts.(strand [Link]
explicit and implicit information)

[Link] says, “If not me, who? If not now, when?” What does this phrase mean to you? How
can it inspire individuals to take action?
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[Link] on an example of a gender stereotype you have seen or experienced. How does it
affect people’s behavior or opportunities?

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[Link] can men and boys support gender equality in their communities? Provide specific
examples.

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[Link] the following questions with your peers based on the text.(ii. analyse conventions)

[Link] why Emma says that feminism is misunderstood by some people.

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[Link] does Emma connect gender equality with human rights?

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[Link] does Emma mean by “gender as a spectrum”?

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[Link] the impact of stereotypes on both men and women, according to Emma.

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[Link] does Emma use her personal story to support her message?

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