Epigraph:
But whoso does good works, whether male or female, and is a believer, such shall enter Heaven, and shall not be wronged even as much as the little hollow in the back of a date-stone. (Al Qur’an 4:125)
By Lisa Respers France, September 22, 2014
(CNN) — Actress Emma Watson not only stirred the Internet with her recent moving speech before the United Nations, but she also joined a cadre of celebrities who have used their star power to bring attention to gender issues.
Watson, best known for her role as Hermione Granger in the “Harry Potter” films, spoke Saturday as part of the launch of a new HeForShe campaign, which is aimed at getting men involved in stopping violence against women. (HeForShe is a U.N. initiative for gender equality.) The actress was appointed as a goodwill ambassador for U.N. Women six months ago and advocated for everyone to be involved in the movement.
“How can we affect change in the world when only half of it is invited or feel welcome to participate in the conversation?” Watson said. “Men — I would like to take this opportunity to extend your formal invitation. Gender equality is your issue, too.”
Watson is just one of several celebrities who have spoken out in an effort to protect women.
Actress Charlize Theron has been a U.N. ambassador of peace and recorded public service announcements for the Stop Rape Now program as part of the U.N. Action Against Sexual Violence in Conflict.
Additional Reading
Gender Equality in the Holy Qur’an – In the Beginning Man and Woman Were Equal
Categories: Americas, Women, Women Rights, Women's right