One of them survived the shot by terrorists and stood for her right to go to school. The other has won countless hearts through her flawless acting and choice of gritty roles. So what happens when Malala Yousufzai and Emma Watson decide to discuss feminism?
An interview like no other, when UN Women’s advocate Emma got to interview Malala, the latter did say that at first she found the word feminism tricky. Why? Because she had heard both positive and negative reactions about feminism. We understand Malala! How many still believe that feminism is all about hating men! (Yes, you can roll your eyes..pheew).
But later it was actually the speech of Emma when she launched the HeForShe campaign in September that changed her mind. In her speech Emma had said that feminism is:
“The belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities. It is the theory of the political, economic and social equality of the sexes.”
And now Malala has no qualms in calling herself a proud feminist fighting for gender equality.
It goes without saying that during the interview when Emma heard that in a way she has inspired Malala, she was very moved and thought that this was the best part of the interview. Later she also posted in her Facebook page details about this conversation.
Malala, who also has the Nobel Peace Prize, to her credit went on to say that men too can be feminists and it’s her dad who is a perfect example of one.
What more? Malala also told Emma that people often forget that the true meaning of feminism is equality and fighting for our own rights.
Emma thinks that saying that “I am a feminist” shouldn’t be made scary as men need feminism as much as women do. In her Facebook page she wrote that it is actually about joining hands and trying to bring a change with participation from both the sexes.
It is absolutely awesome to see these two brave young women discuss feminism in the interview, knowing that their words indeed have the power to bring a change in the mindset of people.
Way to go girls!