A few weeks ago Emma Watson gave a speech at the UN that would have made Hermione proud. As the UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, she used this opportunity to discuss feminism and announce the launch of a new campaign, HeForShe.
So what’s it all about? HeForShe acknowledges that men have too often been left out of the conversation when it comes to discussing gender equality, and it aims to build a movement of solidarity between men and women.
Well, the world took notice. Following her speech, the internet and press have been buzzing as people join in the conversation to discuss what feminism and gender equality actually mean. Iceland too has joined the conversation, and boy do they have an interesting plan.
Soon Iceland will host a UN conference on women and gender equality, but here’s the catch: women aren’t invited.
It’s a scandal!!
That’s pretty much what went through my mind when I initially heard the news. But just wait- they could be on to something. As Emma Watson pointed out, so far men have not been adequately represented in these discussions. Too often finger pointing and “man-hating” have led some men to feel alienated, and we can’t afford for them to be left out of the conversation any longer.
Is it necessary to exclude women from this conference? I’m not so sure. But if it gets more boys and men involved, and allows them an opportunity to safely voice their opinions and concerns, then is that a bad thing? Maybe not.
One thing is certain- not a single country has achieved gender equality as of yet, and it’s 2014. That’s the real scandal, so I say bravo to Iceland for getting the ball rolling. We have a role to play in this as well- sign the petition to let world leaders know women's equality needs to be a top priority.
----