Emma Watson to campaign for girls as UN Goodwill Ambassador

Harry Potter star Emma Watson will campaign for the empowerment of girls and young women in her new role as a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador.

The British actress said she was excited “by the chance to make a real difference” in the lives of females who are often denied access to basic education and health care.

Emma will serve as an advocate for UN Women's HeForShe campaign, which calls on men and boys to stand up against the unequalities faced by girls and women across the world.

In sub-Saharan Africa, for example, almost two in three out-of-school girls will never go to school. Many miss out because of discrimination, having to work or forced early marriage.

The film star has been involved with the promotion of girls’ education for several years and visited Bangladesh and Zambia as part of her humanitarian efforts.

Emma said: “Being asked to serve as UN Women’s Goodwill Ambassador is truly humbling. The chance to make a real difference is not an opportunity that everyone is given and is one I have no intention of taking lightly. 

“Women’s rights are something so inextricably linked with who I am, so deeply personal and rooted in my life that I can’t imagine an opportunity more exciting. I still have so much to learn but as I progress I hope to bring more of my individual knowledge, experience and awareness to this role.”

Emma – who graduated recently from Brown University in the United States – is the first Goodwill Ambassador to be appointed by Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director, UN Women. 

She said: “We are thrilled and honoured to work with Emma, whom we believe embodies the values of UN Women

“The engagement of young people is critical for the advancement of gender equality in the 21st century and I am convinced that Emma’s intellect and passion will enable UN Women’s messages to reach the hearts and minds of young people globally.”