“HeForShe” Campaign Moves to the Next Stage

Emma Watson launching the HeForShe IMPACT 10x10x10 Initiative at the end of January in Davos for UN Women. Credit: UN Women/Celeste SlomanBy Josh ButlerUNITED NATIONS, Feb 17 2015 (IPS)It launched in a blaze of social media glory with a viral speech that rocketed around the world, and five months on from the launch of U.N. Women’s groundbreaking HeForShe campaign, the real work is well underway.The campaign, designed to recruit men and boys as key players in the gender equality movement, burst into life in September 2014 with a passionate speech from British actress Emma Watson on the floor of the United Nations in New York City.The Harry Potter star’s speech has since been seen by millions around the globe, as the HeForShe launch and Watson’s remarks went viral worldwide.“I have realised that fighting for women’s rights has too often become synonymous with man-hating. If there is one thing I know for certain, it is that this has to stop,” she said at the U.N.“It is time that we all see gender as a spectrum instead of two sets of opposing ideals… How can we effect change in the world when only half of it is invited or feel welcome to participate in the conversation?”HeForShe asks men to stand up for women’s rights and gender equality, to address inequality and discrimination faced by women worldwide. The overarching goal is gender equality by 2030.U.N. Women presented a campaign update to the U.N. on February 9, outlining its accomplishments so far: billio...

Source: IPS Inter Press Service - Health - February 17, 2015 Category: Global & Universal Authors: Josh Butler Tags: Civil Society Education Gender Gender Identity Gender Violence Global IPS UN: Inside the Glasshouse Population TerraViva United Nations Women & Climate Change Women & Economy Women in Politics Women's Health Feminism Gender Equ Source Type: news