I think most of us will remember Emma Watson through her portrayal of one of our favourite female characters from our childhood, Hermione Granger. Apart from the Harry Potter franchise, people might know her from famous movies such as Perks of Being a Wallflower and Beauty and the Beast. More recently she has been cast in the movie Little Woman which is still under development.

But Emma Watson is so much more than only an actress.

Feminism

The feminist activist is known for being outspoken concerning gender equality. This was immediately made clear when she was appointed as a UN Goodwill ambassador in 2014.

Being given a position where she could have an immediate influence, she was able to start her campaign HeForShe. Through this campaign she wanted to show that feminism is a movement not only beneficial to women, but that men can and should also participate in the fight for equality among all genders.

Her fight for female rights continue in one of the most important movements this decade, the #MeToo movement which has the goal of actively reporting sexual assault and preventing it. According to Watson, feminism should not be seen as a negative thing, but as an issue necessary for humane existence.

In 2014, Watson graduated in British Literature from Brown University in the US. Two years later, she put her degree to good use as she started the 2016 Our Shared Shelf feminist book club.

The club was established with the intention of sharing and discussing feminist ideas. Most recently she exchanged ideas with Rupi Kaur, another prominent #MeToo figure and feminist literary writer.

Her empowering view is not only limited to the #MeToo movement and her book club. Last March she wrote an editorial with Vogue Australia, and was the guest editor with the March edition being named “Designing the Future”. The issue featured articles from important figures, ranging from actors to activists, who all shared their views on current social issues. 

Ethical Fashion

Watson is not only socially engaging, but can be considered fashion forward as well. Having already been the face of Burberry for 8 years, Emma has won several fashion awards such as the Style Icon Award British Elle 2011 and the Best British Style Award at the 2014 British Fashion Awards.

Her involvement in worldly issues can also be seen in her team up with the ethical fashion label People Tree back in 2009, where she released a clothing collection. Until this day she continues to promote the importance of buying fashion with an ethical background:

“I was excited by the idea of using fashion as a tool to alleviate poverty and knew it was something I could help make a difference with,” she said. “I think young people like me are becoming increasingly aware of the humanitarian and environmental issues surrounding fast fashion and want to make good choices but there aren’t many options out there.”

Beauty

Watson’s most important view, which is a prominent factor in the modern woman, is that women have the choice to do anything they want and should not be condemned if they want to take care of their appearance. Her choice of ethical fashion

 is translated in her choice in beauty products as well, ethical and organic, or at least fair trade.

Her choice to be a role model to young girls out there is reflected in her look.

“The object for me when applying makeup is you should be able to see as much skin as possible. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve embraced my freckles much more and I want to be able to see them. When we were filming Beauty and the Beast, I insisted on keeping my freckles as a part of the movie. There are so many young girls who are going through puberty who really hate having them, so I felt the need to say that I have them and that I think the look of natural skin is beautiful. I didn’t want to get blanked out!”

Her decision to be such an outspoken advocate for women’s rights is commendable, especially during a time where feminists are often harassed as there are many out there who believe it’s a joke. Let’s prove the cynics wrong, and show that true equality is achievable, Watson style.

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