Let’s be honest – it’s difficult or even nearly impossible to find someone that dislikes Emma Watson. Most famously known as the fiesty Hermoine Granger from the Harry Potter series, Emma Watson has achieved so much more since her days at Hogwarts. Our obsession with her extends more than just the iconic role she played in our childhoods; but the numerous ways she has proved to us that she’s no longer the teen we were all very familiar with. Besides being in the TIME 100 list last year and having won the British Style Award, Emma continuously shows that she’s not just an actress, but also a compelling activist whom everyone can look up to. Here are some reasons why we are still completely head over heels with her:
1. She’s a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador
As part of her efforts as a Goodwill Ambassador for female empowerment, Emma played one of the leading roles of the HeForShe initiative – a campaign for gender equality. You’ve probably seen it on your Facebook feed as the campaign was widely publicised through social media in hopes of getting men to take the HeForShe pledge. Several celebrities such as Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Jared Leto and Tom Hiddleston stood by the campaign and supported Emma’s speech. Despite receiving flak for her obvious nervous demeanour during the speech (who wouldn’t be?), her speech was definitely inspiring and sensational as she encouraged others to join her in the fight for gender equality. For such a controversial topic even in today’s modern world, we have to applaud Emma for her positivity and bravery shown against the antifeminist haters who attacked her stand. Emma’s not one who will just sing about her haters, but she actually puts on a strong fight with actions and a riveting speech.
2. She’s shown us that juggling between school and work can be done
— Emma Watson (@EmWatson) May 25, 2014
We can only imagine parents chiding their children: “Emma Watson was acting in the Harry Potter series and studying at the same time! You should be scoring much higher for your exams.” A recent graduate of Brown University, Emma proves to be a role model for all students who are struggling with school work and other commitments on the side. We can’t even begin to fathom how she does it, filming an entire movie while completing her degree. It’s no doubt that beauty and brains can indeed coexist.
3. She has her own feminist book club
Book nerds, rejoice. Just a few months back, Emma announced her decision to start a feminist book club on Goodreads that is opened to the public for discussions and sharing of ideas. Basically, Emma will recommend a new book every month with questions and quotes to start the discussion rolling. Yes, even us normal human beings may now have this rare chance to engage in an intellectual conversation with her. We love how Emma helps to cultivate a love for reading (not just trashy novels) and formulate thought-provoking ideas and questions while reading.
4. She tries change the world with her dressing
While everybody else sashayed in glittering gowns and luxurious suits, Emma Watson wore a freaking sustainable gown for the Met Gala 2016. Sustainable. A joint collaboration by Calvin Klein and Eco Age saw the creation of this beautiful gown made from recycled plastic bottles (technically, trash). But Emma’s bold clothing choice highlights the importance of environmental sustainability and the problems with the not so environmentally friendly fashion world now. Emma pledged her support for the #30wears campaign, which is meant to encourage people to only purchase clothing they will wear for at least 30 times. So the next time you stand in front of your almost bursting wardrobe and think that you have absolutely nothing to wear, remember Emma’s wise words: “Truly beautiful things should be worn again and again and again.”
Feature image from Emma Watson’s >Instagram page.
