Emma Watson: Women’s Potential Is Astonishingly Untapped

Emma Watson was at Davos today talking about HeForShe, the U.N.'s gender equality movement she's championed. Watson, a U.N. Goodwill Ambassador, spoke about the next steps in a campaign to increase solidarity among the sexes: “It is my belief,” she said, “that there is a greater understanding than ever that women need to be equal participants in our societies, in our governments, and in our workplaces — and they know that the world is being held back in every way because they are not.”  The event revealed details about IMPACT 10X10X10: a year-long pilot program aimed at engaging governments, corporations, and universities as instruments of change. Watson spoke at the World Economic Forum, an annual gathering of some of the world's most powerful people, fanked by U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the executive director of U.N. Women. One major piece of feedback she’s received since her first impassioned HeForShe speech? “Men and women want to help but aren't sure how best to do it. Men say they've signed the petition. 'What now?’” Since its launch on September 20, 2014, HeForShe has galvanized communities the world over to take a stand against everyday and institutionalized sexism. “Men, I would like to take this opportunity to extend your formal invitation: Gender equality is your issue, too,” Watson said that day. The RSVPs appear to be pouring in.