Harry Potter actress calls for gender equality in powerful UN speech
She may have shed her robe and magic wand after the Harry Potter series ended, but Emma Watson still packs a punch in person.
The newly-appointed United Nations Women Goodwill Ambassador gave a rousing, powerful speech at the New York headquarters on Saturday calling for gender equality.
She helped launch the HeForShe gender campaign that aims to rope in men to help fight against gender equality.
Watson, who was clearly battling nerves, said: "Men, I would like to take this opportunity to extend your formal invitation.
"Gender equality is your issue too," added Watson.
She also said: "Because to date, I've seen my father's role as a parent being valued less by society despite my needing his presence as a child as much as my mother's."
The 24-year-old actress also acknowledged her magical roots.
She said: "You might think: Who is this Harry Potter girl? What is she doing speaking at the UN? I've been asking myself the same thing.
"All I know is that I care about this problem and I want to make this better. And having seen what I've seen and (to be) given the chance, I feel it's my responsibility to say something."
Source: Vanity Fair
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