UN Women ambassador Emma Watson delivers poignant speech on gender equality

(Photo: REUTERS / Paul Hackett)Cast member Emma Watson arrives for the UK premiere of "Noah", Leicester Square, London, March 31, 2014.

The 24-year-old actress and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador Emma Watson has already achieved plenty in her career and education.

She has starred as Hermoine in the globally-celebrated Harry Potter movie franchise. Watson has also studied at Ivy League universities such Yale and Brown University—where she finished a degree in English Literature.

Adding to the long list of impressive traits, Watson delivered a striking speech about gender equality titled, "Gender Equality Is Your Issue Too," that aims to help her campaign 'HeForShe,' urging males to speak up for oppressed women worldwide.

In the speech, Watson 'disclosed' herself as a feminist and aimed to clear up the negative connotations attached to the word. She said that being a feminist is not 'man-hating,' and that she first became aware that she is one after being labeled as "bossy" while directing a school play at age 8.

Watson then went on to explain how gender equality is not only a women's issue, but also a men's, as men are often afraid of being sensitive and expressing themselves.

"I was appointed six months ago and the more I have spoken about feminism the more I have realized that fighting for women's rights has too often become synonymous with man-hating," Emma Watson said in the UN Women address.

"If there is one thing I know for certain, it is that this has to stop," Watson added.

Copyright © 2014 Ecumenical News