When most of us hear the name Emma Watson, we picture in Hermione from Harry Potter, the academic, strong-willed and competitive muggle-born witch. In many ways, Emma Watson and Hermione share common characteristics. She has become the UN Goodwill ambassador and, similarly to Hermione, has taken a stand on an important issue she believes should be addressed in a moral and intellectual manner.

Hermione is generally regarded as possessing a strong feminine presence and, throughout the Harry Potter series, she presents a number of feminist arguments in the context of her roles. Who could forget her establishment of “The Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare?” Hermione stays true to herself and fights for what she believes in, even if others do not feel the same way.

And with the release of Emma’s newest campaign entitled “He For She,” Emma has certainly emerged as a feminist figure. He For She, as addressed by Watson before the UN, is a movement to include men in the fight for gender equality.

As the purpose of He For She was explained to Watson’s audience, I found myself questioning why it was necessary for men to become involved if the issue at hand is primarily a feminine one?

Watson expresses criticism that the public, as well as other feminists, continuously view her as misandristic. Her identity as a feminist has, in this way, been perceived in a negative fashion. Feminists have positive goals that they hope to change, and they do not seek to bring down the entire male population.

It soon became evident to me that Watson is trying to make it clear that men are part of the daily lives of women. It is imperative that men join women in the struggle for gender equality because there is strength in numbers. Women make up roughly half of the population and need support from the other half of the population in order to effectively accomplish change on the gender equality front.

Men are victims in an estimated 40% of domestic violence cases. Men at times feel that they have to live up to their gender roles and be tough, competitive, and objectify women. Becoming a part of the feminist movement would give men the ability to eliminate gender stereotypes and be whoever they want to be. Watson gives men the opportunity to join the movement, so why would they not help to eliminate gender stereotypes that not only affect women but men as well?

When I drive through Lower Merion I cannot help but notice single sex private schools that appeal to parents. Of course, many argue that by separating girls from boys or vice versa, they are encouraging students to focus on academics. Parents view this as advantageous to their child.

However, as Emma Watson proves, this detachment between sexes could possibly foster the conflict that leads to gender inequality. How can women and men be considered equal when they are not able to stand up for one other and encourage equality? Watson also points out that men are discriminated against as well, and that gender inequality is not only a women issue. This completely changed my outlook, as I had never considered this perspective before.

For Emma’s continuous efforts, I applaud her. She is promoting unity between men and women through her advocacy for gender equality. Because of this, I think it is safe to give 100 points to Gryffindor!