Emma Watson delivered a powerful speech on feminism and gender equality to the UN, launching the HeForShe campaign. This campaign is trying to incorporate men into the fight for women’s rights.

Feminism is the belief of social, political, and economic equality of the sexes. Recently the term has been twisted. It is not the belief in female supremacy, or even that women are better than men. How could feminism, a positive idea, possibly have gotten such a negative reputation?

“Feminism has become an unpopular word.” says Watson “Apparently I am among the ranks of women whose expressions are seen as too strong, too aggressive, isolating, anti-men and, unattractive. Why is the word such an uncomfortable one?”

Men are far less involved in this issue than women. However, it is an issue for them as well. Gender equality is not women’s rights, it is human rights. While women suffer from pressures of trying to fit a stereotypical mold, men face the same challenge.

Conventional beauty and sensitivity are often what is assumed of women. But what about men? They are typically expected to be athletic and strong, and too rarely express emotion. It is unfair to all genders to set limits and boundaries, that are not socially acceptable to break.

With the HeForShe campaign, Watson urges men to join the movement. Not only so women can get equal pay, equal education, and equal opportunity; but also for men to be able to break out of their mold if they wish, so everyone can be a bit more accepted.

Gender equality should be a common goal in every society. There has not been one time in history, or anytime presently, in which a single country has had complete equality between men and women.

Men need to join the fight against social norms for any progress to be made. What could half of a people change without the other?

Shea may be reached at [email protected]