January 23, 2015

Emma Watson launches IMPACT 10x10x10 at the WEF, in Davos

Emma is currently in Switzerland, at the World Economic Forum in Davos to promote a new He For She initiative to help gender equality, called IMPACT 10 by 10 by 10 (yes, non-English speakers, that's how it's pronounced.)

Excerpts from her speech:


Talking about the response for #HeForShe:

I couldn't have dreamed it, but it has happened... thank you so much for your support,” she stated.

The 24-year-old outlined the plans for IMPACT 10X10x10, and what it hopes to achieve.

It’s about engaging governments, businesses, universities. Having them make concrete commitments to gender equality.

I want to hear from the human beings that are behind these organisations. I spoke about some of my story in September, what are your stories?

Girls who have been your mentors, parents did you make sure you treated your children equally, if so how have you done it?

Husbands have you been supporting your female partners privately so that she can fulfill her dreams too?

Young men, have you spoken up in a conversation where a woman was degraded or dismissed. How did this affect you? How did this affect the woman you stepped up for?

Businessmen have you mentored, supported or engaged women in leadership positions?

Writers, have you challenged the language and imagery used to portray women in the media?

CEOs, have you implemented the women’s empowerment principles in your own company - what change have you seen?

Are you someone that has been persuading men to become HeForShe collecting signatures for our website. How many have you got? We want to know. We want to hear from you.

Watson revealed that while the feedback she has received has been resoundingly positive, she is aware that both men and women aren’t sure how exactly they can help.

Men say they've signed the petition, what now? The truth is - the ‘what now’ is down to you.

What your HeForShe commitment will be is personal, and there is no best way. Everything is valid.

Decide what your commitment is, make it public, and then please report back to us on your progress, so we can share your story.

Speaking about the personal impact that the HeForShe campaign has had on her, Watson was visibly moved.

I’ve had my breath taken away when a fan told me since watching my speech she has stopped herself being beaten up by her father.

I’ve been stunned by the amount of men in my life that have contacted me since my speech to tell me to keep going, and that they want to make sure that their daughters will still be alive to see a world where women have power and equality, economically and politically.

Watson concluded her speech with a call to action.

It is my belief that there is a greater understanding than ever that women need to be equal participants in our homes, in our societies, in our governments, and in our work places.

They know that the world is being held back in every way, because they are not. Women share this planet 50/50 and they are underrepresented, their potential astonishingly untapped.

IMPACT 10X10x10 will bring HeForShe into its next phase.
independent

Full speech:

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Portrait:
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Full quote: “The groundswell of response we have received in support for HeForShe tells us we are tapping into what the world wants: to be a part of change. Now we have to channel that energy into purposeful action. The pilot initiative provides that framework. Next we need all country leadership, as well as that of hundreds of universities and corporations to follow…IMPACT 10x10x10 so as to bring an end to the persisting inequalities faced by women and girls globally.
For more information about IMPACT 10 by 10 by 10 go to: PRNEWSWIRE
Emma did a Q&A on Twitter a couple of hours later:












































5 comments:

GoldenGemster said...

Good for Emma but she is right, it's not going to change overnight. I really feel for the women in Middle Eastern regimes who practice fundamentalism and strict Sharia law. King Abdulla has left 4 daughters in strict purdah because he fell out with them and I dread to think what will happen to them. There really ought to be an outcry about it but it seems we need their oil more. *Gets off soapbox*

Anonymous said...

I think HeforShe is a great equality. I would like to see this protection stretched HeforShe (regardless of gender) against abortion. That is the greatest evil of our time.
No women should not be beaten and misused and should have equal rights in the work force and in their homes. To do this we need to learn to respect more and love more.
HeforShe to save the unborn child to be able to have a future. Consider the potential that is being untapped. What diseases might have found a cure, but will not because the possible potential has been destroyed.
There are priorities. Save lives at every stage. HeforShe!

Eden said...

If He For She were to give their opinion on abortion, my take is that they would want to protect those women who decide to have one, not judge them. It would go completely against what they're fighting for otherwise.

Anonymous said...

True, but without moral judgement on women. But true.
Lisa W.

Anonymous said...

HeforShe for the unborn. Now that would be courageous. The unborn child, male or female, is the weakest member alive in their first little room, their mother's womb. Help these women to be able to bear a child even if they give up the child but pulse for life- HeforShe
Tif Z.