Best known for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series, Emma Watson — recent Brown University graduate — has been announced as the newest Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women. The organization itself is dedicated to empowerment of women and gender equality. The actress will focus her efforts on the empowerment of young women as an advocate for the organization’s HeForShe campaign, which promotes gender equality.
Watson has already established herself as a humanitarian these past several years. She has promoted girls’ education and has visited Bangladesh and Zambia in these efforts. She has been the face of People Tree, a fair trade clothing company, and had this to say about her experience: “I still find it hard to convey what Fair Trade means to those producing our fashion — it’s just so impressive to see how the women have used Fair Trade clothing to escape poverty and empower themselves and their children. I was moved and inspired.”
Regarding her new position with UN Women, Watson said, “Being asked to serve as UN Women’s Goodwill Ambassador is truly humbling.” She added, “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. I still have so much to learn, but as I progress I hope to bring more of my individual knowledge, experience and awareness to this role.”
The organization seems just as enthusiastic to have the actress working with them. Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka stated, “The engagement of young people is critical for the advancement of gender equality in the 21st century, and I am convinced that Emma’s intelligence and passion will enable UN Women’s messages to reach the hearts and minds of young people globally.” Watson is the first ambassador to be named under Mlambo-Ngcuka’s leadership.