Emma Watson has spoken out about her experiences of sexism.
Giving a speech in New York yesterday at the United Nations headquarters in her role as UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, she spoke about witnessing discrimination first hand and so becoming a feminist from a young age.
Emma Watson / Credit: WireImageFor the new 'HeForShe' equality campaign, aiming to "mobilise men against gender inequalities", she said: "When I was eight, I was confused about being called 'bossy' because I wanted to direct the plays that we would put on for our parents. But the boys were not.
"When at 14, I started to be sexualised by certain elements of the media, when at 15, my girlfriends started dropping out of their beloved sports team, because they didn't want to appear 'muscle-y', when at 18, my male friends were unable to express their feelings, I decided that I was a feminist."
She also admitted that she believes the perception of feminism has changed - those who identify with feminists being labelled as "anti-men" and "aggressive".
"My recent research has shown me that feminism has become an unpopular word. Women are choosing not to identify as feminists.
"Apparently, I am among the ranks of women whose expressions are seen as 'too strong', 'too aggressive', 'isolating' and 'anti-men', 'unattractive', even. Why has the word become such an uncomfortable one?
"I was appointed six months ago and the more I have spoken about feminism the more I have realised that fighting for women's rights has too often become synonymous with man-hating."
Explaining that men are suffering because of inequality and fears of appearing "less macho" when they need help, she added: "Both men and women should feel free to be sensitive. Both men and women should feel free to be strong.
"If we stop defining each other by what we are not and start defining ourselves by what we are -- we can all be freer and this is what HeForShe is about. It's about freedom."
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