Many celebs put their names on things—whether it’s makeup, skincare products, restaurants or food brands, they make known what they like by showing their support for the company.
While this is all great, we can’t help but think there are more important things they could do with their names and faces.
This four part series will explore the lives of four of our favorite celebrity philanthropists, what they do and how they’re putting their celebrity status to good use. Third on our list is Emma Watson.
We have seen her grow up in the spotlight. She starred in Harry Potter and the Socerer’s Stone at the ripe old age of 11. She went on to make seven more Harry Potter films, as well as seven other films and has two more in the making. She’s won numerous awards and graced the covers of several magazines. But what you might not know is that Emma Watson is an active and dedicated feminist.
Her public work for women’s rights just began to make headlines this year, but she has already accomplished so much.
Emma has worked with women in Bangladesh and Zambia to promote girls’ education. She has also worked with the movement Camfed International to educate girls in rural Africa, according to the UN Women website.
In July 2014 she was named one of UN Women’s Goodwill Ambassadors, an honor she shares with actress Nicole Kidman and Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol of Thailand.
“Being asked to serve as UN Women’s Goodwill Ambassador is truly humbling,” Emma said about the role.
“Women’s rights are something so inextricably linked with who I am, so deeply personal and rooted in my life that I can’t imagine an opportunity more exciting.”In September she joined HeForShe, a campaign launched by UN Women. According to the website, HeForShe wants to raise awareness about gender equality. Supporters can agree to their commitment, which reads: “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.”
At the launch of the campaign on September 20 in New York, Emma spoke to the crowd about ending inequality.
“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.
“Why is the word such an uncomfortable one? I am from Britain and think 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.”
Emma Watson’s passion inspires us to get out and do something that will make a difference. She shows us that it’s OK to speak up.
(Feature Photo via Un.org)