Emma Watson's Most Inspirational Moments
There are so many reasons to be more than a little obsessed with Emma Watson, especially for fans who feel like they've grown up with the actress. But the biggest reason to love her, isn't her magical role in the Harry Potter movies, or the fact that she brought one of the greatest Disney princesses to the big screen; rather, it's the fact that she's a total role model – and a powerful one at that.
For years, Emma has been speaking out in support of women's rights, gender equality, and the environment. She has participated in protests, given empowering speeches at the U.N., and has motivated others to take action in their own communities. One thing is clear: Emma Watson is definitely someone to look up to and admire. Here are 9 times she was a total badass – and a true inspiration.
Getty Images1/10Emma is a huge supporter of eco-friendly and ethical fashion.
After becoming inspired by the documentary, The True Cost, Emma decided to get involved with an ethical clothing line of her own. She later joined the Green Carpet Challenge, an organization that partners with both celebrities and stylists to promote sustainable fashion while on the red carpet. And when Emma went on her red carpet tour for Beauty and the Beast, she rocked several eco-friendly gowns. How's that for a true princess?
Getty Images2/10Emma has some WORDS for men who don't like movies with female leads.
The actress thinks that some men have trouble taking in films with female leads because they're simply used to watching movies about men. She explained, "It's something they're not used to, and they don't like that ... Anything that deviates from the norm is difficult to accept. I think if you've been used to watching characters that look like, sound like, think like you, and then you see someone [unexpected] up on the screen, you go, 'Well, that's a girl, she doesn't look like me. I want it to look like me so that I can project myself onto the character.'" Emma also points out that it's just as important for young girls to see themselves on screen, and films that empower women are definitely needed.
Getty Images3/10In addition to fighting evil on the big screen, Emma is a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations.
In 2014, Emma was announced as a U.N. ambassador, where she would work with a focus in gender equality. She was also the first person to be appointed underneath Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the Under Secretary-General and executive director of U.N. Women. Definitely a huge accomplishment.
Getty Images4/10And if becoming a UN ambassador wasn't enough of an honor, Emma was also given an important title at Oxford University.
In February 2016, Emma was named a visiting fellow at Lady Margaret Hall by Oxford. A visiting fellow is essentially an honorary professor, and Emma was chosen due to her background in the arts as well as her activism. Imagine going to a lecture and having Emma as your teacher?
Getty Images5/10Emma helped launch HeForShe, a gender equality campaign.
HeForShe aims to raise awareness about violence and discrimination that women and girls experience all around the world. Emma also took her campaign to college and university campuses, in order to create policy surrounding sexual assault, violence, and the gender gap in academia.
Getty Images6/10She turned to feminist literature after the 2016 election.
On November 9, the day after Donald Trump was elected president, Emma announced that she would be handing out books by Maya Angelou in New York City. She shared her plans on Twitter, writing: "Today I am going to deliver Maya Angelou books to the New York subway. Then I am going to fight even harder for all the things I believe in." The timing was definitely not a coincidence.
Getty Images7/10Emma has no time for slut-shaming.
After the actress posed braless in a photo shoot with Vanity Fair, she received a ton of online backlash from people calling her a "bad feminist." Emma later responded to the controversy in the best way, explaining: "Feminism is about giving women choice. Feminism is not a stick with which to beat other women, it’s about freedom, it’s about liberation, it’s about equality. I really don't know what my tits have to do with it. It's very confusing." Of course, Emma is free to make any decision she wants about her body, and no photograph could ever undermine the important work that she's done for women's rights.
Getty Images8/10Even her character in Beauty and the Beast was feminist.
Belle has always been feminist, but Emma's rendition took her character to the next level. In addition to being a bookworm, Emma's Belle is also an inventor, and she teaches little girls to read. Her badass character even caught the attention of Gloria Steinem who said, "It was fascinating that her activism could be so well mirrored by the film."
Getty Images9/10Emma understands the importance of sex education – and she's not afraid to talk about it.
While speaking at a How To: Academy talk last winter, Emma recommended the website OMGYes, a site that aims to erase the taboo about female pleasure and sexuality. "It’s based on research, which is a complete study on female sexuality," Emma explained. "It’s a pretty cool website and I wish it had been around longer."
