#HeForShe and #GirlLove all the way!
A sexist U.K. newspaper mocked Emma Watson’s United Nations speech and Lilly Singh is not having it!
If you didn’t already know, Emma Watson has been a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador for years. In 2014, she launched the HeForShe gender equality movement and has spoken at several events on behalf of the campaign since. And most recently, this week, Emma talked at UN headquarters in New York about the importance of addressing sexual assault on college campuses.
“A university should be a place of refuge that takes action against all forms of violence,” she said during her presentation. “That’s why we believe that students should leave universities believing in, striving for, and expecting societies of true equality.”
While Emma has proven herself an intelligent, competent and impactful agent for change, some (extremely ignorant) people still think such a leadership role should not be entrusted to a female celebrity. In response to her latest speech, a writer at The Sun called her message “whining, leftie, PC crap” and questioned, “why we take [actresses like Emma] seriously.”
Lilly Singh, YoutTuber and creator of the #GirlLove initiative, did not hesitate to call out the misogynistic columnist and show her support for Ms. Watson.
“Honestly, I’m not sure if this situation calls for more #GirlLove or just less idiots,” said Lilly in a tweet. “Let’s say, both. C’mon, [Emma Watson is] a Bawse.”
It’s extremely frustrating that anyone would dismiss Emma as an activist simply because she is a celebrity and a woman – especially when she was speaking on something as real and important as college sexual assaults.
We’re so happy that Lilly defended her because, in that gesture, she perfectly demonstrated why and how women and men must be there for one another. We all need to boost others up, rather than tear them down! Teamwork among girls is so important, but boys should absolutely join the conversation too.
Way to go, ladies and, ICYMI, watch Emma’s full UN speech here!