persuasive speech for gender equality

Full Transcript of Emma Watson's 2016 U.N. Speech on Gender Equality

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Actress Emma Watson, a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador , has used her fame and activism to shine a spotlight on gender inequality and sexual assault at universities and colleges around the world. In September 2016, the "Harry Potter" star delivered a speech about the gender double standards that many women encounter when they study and work at universities.

This address was a followup to a speech she made two years earlier after launching a gender equality initiative called HeForShe at the U.N. headquarters in New York . Then, she focused on global gender inequality and the role that men and boys must play to fight for justice for girls and women . Her 2016 speech echoed these concerns while specifically focusing on sexism in academia.

Speaking Out for Women

A feminist , Emma Watson used her September 20, 2016, appearance at the U.N. to announce the publication of the first HeForShe IMPACT 10x10x10 University Parity Report . It documents the pervasiveness of gender inequality across the globe and the commitment 10 university presidents made to fight this problem.

During her speech, Watson linked the gender disparities on college campuses to the widespread problem of sexual violence that many women experience while pursuing higher education. She said:

Thank you all for being here for this important moment. These men from all over the world have decided to make gender equality a priority in their lives and in their universities. Thank you for making this commitment.

I graduated from university four years ago. I had always dreamed of going and I know how fortunate I am to have had the opportunity to do so. Brown [University] became my home, my community, and I took the ideas and the experiences I had there into all of my social interactions, into my workplace, into my politics, into all aspects of my life. I know that my university experience shaped who I am, and of course, it does for many people.

But what if our experience at university shows us that women don't belong in leadership? What if it shows us that, yes, women can study, but they shouldn't lead a seminar? What if, as still in many places around the world, it tells us that women don't belong there at all? What if, as is the case in far too many universities, we are given the message that sexual violence isn't actually a form of violence?

But we know that if you change students' experiences so they have different expectations of the world around them, expectations of equality, society will change. As we leave home for the first time to study at the places that we have worked so hard to get, we must not see or experience double standards. We need to see equal respect, leadership, and pay .

The university experience must tell women that their brain power is valued, and not just that, but that they belong among the leadership of the university itself. And so importantly, right now, the experience must make it clear that the safety of women, minorities, and anyone who may be vulnerable is a right and not a privilege. A right that will be respected by a community that believes and supports survivors. And that recognizes that when one person's safety is violated, everyone feels that their own safety is violated. A university should be a place of refuge that takes action against all forms of violence.

That's why we believe that students should leave university believing in, striving for, and expecting societies of true equality. Societies of true equality in every sense, and that universities have the power to be a vital catalyst for that change.

Our ten impact champions have made this commitment and with their work we know they will inspire students and other universities and schools across the world to do better. I'm delighted to introduce this report and our progress, and I'm eager to hear what's next. Thank you so much.

Reaction to Watson's Speech

Emma Watson's 2016 U.N. speech on gender equality on college campuses has netted more than 600,000 YouTube views . In addition, her words garnered headlines from publications such as Fortune , Vogue , and Elle .

Since the actress, a Brown University graduate, gave her speech, new challenges have emerged. In 2016, Watson was hopeful that the United States would elect its first female president. Instead, voters elected Donald Trump, who appointed Betsy DeVos as his education secretary. DeVos has overhauled how colleges respond to sexual assault claims , making procedures more difficult for victims, her critics argue. They say the proposed changes to Obama-era educational policies will make women more vulnerable on college campuses.

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Feminist persuasive speech topics

108 feminist persuasive speech topics

- the top current women's rights & feminist issues.

By: Susan Dugdale

There are 108 persuasive speech topics here covering many current feminist issues. For example:

that copy-cat fast fashion reinforces the relentless consumer cycle and the poverty trap,
that the advertising industry deliberately manufactures and supports body image insecurities to serve its own ends,
that gendered language reinforces the patriarchal structure of society...

They're provocative and challenging topics raising issues that I like to think should be of concern to us all!

Use the quick links to find a topic you want to explore

25 feminist persuasive speech topics about beauty and fashion
16 the media and feminism topics
8 the role of language and feminism speech ideas

8 feminist speech ideas about culture and arts

9 topics on education and gendered expectations, 27 feminist topics about society & social inequality, 8 business & work related feminist speech topics.

Resources for preparing persuasive speeches
References for feminism

What is 'feminism'?

Feminism is defined as belief in and advocacy of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes, expressed especially through organized activity on behalf of women's rights and interests.

(See: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feminism )

Return to Top

25 feminist speech topics about beauty & fashion

that from puberty onward a woman is targeted by cosmetic companies
that the shape of woman’s body is valued over its health
that physical beauty in a woman is conferred by popular beliefs
that striving for what is regarded as the epitome of female physical perfection destroys women
that physical perfection is a myth
that compassion and collaboration is needed between women (and men) rather than competition and comparison
that beauty, fashion and feminism can co-exist
that clothing reflects social position or class
that the fashionable clothing of any era reflects its dominate cultural beliefs
that a modern feminist does not need to ban either the bra or the razor
that prescriptive beauty norms (PBNs) reinforce sexism, racism, colorism, classism, ableism, ageism, and gender norms
that western feminine beauty standards dominate globally
that there is no legitimate historical or biological justification for the ‘white’ beauty myth
that modern beauty standards were used as “political weapons" against women’s advancement (see Naomi Wolfe - The Beauty Myth )
that the beauty industry cynically and callously exploits women through “self-empowerment” campaigns – eg L'Oreal's “Because you're worth it”
that beauty shaming of any sort is shameful
that health and beauty need to work together for the empowerment of women
that beauty and fashion role models need to be independent of major brands
that fashion and cosmetic industries have a moral responsibility to use the immense power they have in shaping people’s lives for their betterment
that the unfair balance of power between the consumers of fashionable clothing and those who make it is a feminist issue
that copy-cat fast fashion reinforces the relentless consumer cycle and the poverty trap
that genuinely sustainable fashion is only responsible way forward
that clothing/fashion can make a feminist statement. For example: the 1850s “freedom” or “bloomer” dress named after women’s rights and temperance advocate Amelia Bloomer , the wearing of trousers, shorts, or mini skirts by women, or skirts and dresses by men
that boss dressing for women is unnecessary and toxic
that establishing superiority through wearing elitist fashion is an age old ploy

16 the media and feminism speech topics

that feminism in mainstream media is often misrepresented through lack of understanding
that some media deliberately encourages a narrow polarizing definition of feminism to whip up interest and drama for its own sake
that mainstream media plays a significant role in keeping women marginalized
that social media has created an independent level playing field for feminists globally
that the #metoo movement reaffirmed the need for community and solidarity amongst feminists
that the advertising industry deliberately manufactures and supports ongoing body image insecurities to serve its own ends
that the advertising industry decides and deifies what physical perfection looks like
that the ideal cover girl body/face is a myth
that eating disorders and negative body image problems are increased by the unrealistic beauty standards set by mainstream media
that women get media coverage for doing newsworthy things and being beautiful. Men get media coverage for doing newsworthy things.
that social media gives traditionally private issues a platform for discussion and change: abortion, domestic abuse, pay equity
that print media (broadsheets, magazines, newspapers...) have played and continue to play a vital role in feminist education
that ‘the women’s hour’ and similar radio programs or podcasts have been and are an important part in highlighting feminist issues
that ‘feminist wokeness’ has been hijacked by popular media
that social media reinforces prejudices rather than challenges them because the smart use of analytics means we mainly see posts aligned with our viewpoints
that social media has enabled and ‘normalized’ the spread of pornography: the use of bodies as a commodity to be traded

8 the role language and feminism speech ideas

that frequently repeated platitudes (eg. girls will be girls and boys will be boys) are stereotypical straitjackets stifling change
that the derogatory words for females and female genitalia frequently used to vent anger or frustration demonstrate the worth and value placed on women
that feminism is neither male nor female
that gendered language reinforces the patriarchal structure of society
that sexist language needs to be called out and changed
that gendered language limits women’s opportunities
that gendered languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, Hindi...) need to become more inclusive
that the real enemy of feminism is language
that limitations in any arena (work, sports, arts) placed on woman because they are women need challenging
that male bias in the organizations awarding major awards and grants needs to change
that the ideal woman in art is a figment of a male imagination
that historically art has objectified women
that heroic figures should be celebrated and honored for their deeds – not for what they look like or their gender
that strong feisty female characters in literature can inspire change eg. Elizabeth Bennet from Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre from Charlotte Bronte’s novel of the same name, and Offred from Margaret Atwood’s The Hand Maiden’s Tale.
that the role of feminist art in any field: literature, film, theatre, dance, sculpture..., is to transform and challenge stereotypes. Examples of feminist artists: Judy Chicago, Miriam Shapiro, Barbara Kruger (More: feminist art )
that feminist musicians have used their influence as agents of change, and to inspire: Beyonce, Queen Latifah, Pussy Riot, Lorde, Aretha Franklin, Carole King, Nina Simone
that there no subjects more suitable for boys than girls, or subjects more suitable for girls than boys
that toys, clothing, and colors should be gender neutral
that student achievement and behavioral expectations should be gender free
that feminism should be actively modelled in the classroom
that eligibility for educational institutions should be merit based
that boys should not ‘punished’ or blamed for our patriarchal history
that gendered performance is actively supported and encouraged by some educational philosophies and schools in order to maintain the status quo
that the belief that ‘male’ and ‘female’ intelligence are different and that male intelligence is superior is false
that education is vital for the advancement of black feminism
that rigidly adhered to gendered workplace and domestic roles sustain and support inequalities
that domestic violence is typically a male gendered crime
that patriarchal attitudes toward women make sexual harassment and rape inevitable
that a safe legal abortion is a fundamental right for every person who wants one
that humiliation and control either by fear and threat of rape, or rape itself, is an act toxic entitlement
that a person is never ever ‘asking for it’: to be sexually harassed, or to be raped
that safe methods of birth control should be freely available to whomever wants them
that full sexual and reproductive health and rights for all people is an essential precondition to achieving gender equality
that men should not have control over woman's sexual and reproductive decision-making
that the increase in sperm donation is a feminist victory
that a person can be a domestic goddess and a feminist
that there is a positive difference between assertive and aggressive feminism
that the shock tactics of feminist anarchists is justified
that powerful feminist role models open the way for others to follow
that intersectional feminism is essential to fully understand the deep ingrained inequalities of those experiencing overlapping forms of oppression
that a feminist’s belief and practices are shaped by the country they live in, its dominant religious and cultural practices
that female circumcision is an example of women’s oppression disguised as a cultural tradition
that honor crimes are never justifiable
that period poverty and stigma is a global feminist issue
that we need to accept that some women want to remain protected by patriarchal practices and beliefs
that environmental issues are feminist issues
that everybody benefits from feminism
that feminism works towards equality, not female superiority
that anti-feminist myths (that feminists are angry women who blame men for their problems, that feminists are anti marriage, that feminists have no sense of humor, that feminists are not ‘natural’ mothers, that feminists are anti religion, that feminists are actually all lesbians ...) are desperate attempts to maintain the patriarchal status quo
that toxic femininity is a by-product of fear and insecurity eg. The need to ridicule another woman in order to impress a man, shaming a man for not being ‘manly’, raging against a women for being seen to be powerful, competent and successful in a leadership position ...
that blaming the patriarchy is far too simple
that one can hold religious beliefs and be feminist
that gendered jobs and job titles belong in the past
that pay scales should be based on merit, not gender
that adequate maternity and child care plus parental leave provisions should be mandatory
that flexible working hours benefits both the business and its employees
that token feminism is not enough
that corporate feminism is for wealthy white women
that feminism and capitalism are in conflict
that women in power owe it to other women to work for their empowerment

Useful resources

The first three resources below provide an excellent starting point to get a broad overview of feminism: its history, development and current issues.

I've included the fourth link because I'm a New Zealander, and proud of what its women's suffrage movement achieved: the vote for women in 1893.

What’s the definition of feminism? 12 TED talks that explain it to you
An overview of feminist philosophy – Stanford University, USA
Britannica: an excellent over of the history and development of feminism
The symbolism of a white camellia and the Suffrage Movement in New Zealand

How to choose a good persuasive speech topic and preparing a great speech

For a more in-depth discussion about choosing a good persuasive topic, and crafting a persuasive speech please see:

persuasive speech ideas and read all the notes under the heading “What make a speech topic good?"
writing a persuasive speech . You’ll find notes covering:
setting a speech goal,
audience analysis,
evidence and empathy (the need for proof or evidence to back what you’re saying as well as showing you understand, or empathize with, the positions of those for and against your proposal),
balance and obstacles (to address points against your proposal, the obstacles, in a fair and balanced way),
varying structural patterns (ways to organize you material) and more. And click this link for hundreds more persuasive speech topic suggestions . ☺

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5 Powerful speeches by women in the 21st century

This women's equality day, join us in celebrating some of the most powerful speeches by women..

We may only be two decades in, but the 21st century has seen monumental shifts regarding gender equality. Movements such as #metoo, global fights for abortion rights, and the Saudi Arabian women's driving ban are a few that have highlighted the issue.

When you think of great speeches in history, images of Winston Churchill, Martin Luther King, and Barack Obama may spring forth. Due to ingrained biases, women have always needed to 'speak louder to have their voices heard'. Women's Equality Day, often referred to as Gender Equality Day, commemorates when Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby signed the proclamation granting American women the right to vote . On this Women's Equality Day (26th August 2021), we celebrate powerful speeches by women on the world stage fighting for equal rights.

Oprah Winfrey

While receiving an award for 'Outstanding Contributions to the World of Entertainment' at the 2018 Golden Globes, Oprah Winfrey gave one of the most moving speeches by a woman at the awards.

As someone born into poverty to a single mother who overcame discrimination with race and gender to succeed, she gave a rousing speech addressing the evolution of women's equality. Even more fitting, she was the first black woman to have received that award.

Key points of interest

[00:05:20]

'In 1944, Recy Taylor was a young wife and a mother. She was just walking home from a church service she attended in Abbeville, Alabama, when she was abducted by six armed white men raped and left blindfolded by the side of the road coming home from church. They threatened to kill her if she ever told anyone. But her story was reported to the NAACP, where a young worker by the name of Rosa Parks became the lead investigator on her case'

[00:08:21]

'So I want all the girls watching here now to know that a new day is on the horizon. And when that new day finally dawns. It will be because of a lot of magnificent women, many of whom are right here in this room tonight, and some pretty phenomenal men fighting hard to make sure that they become the leaders who take us to the time when nobody ever has to say me too again.'

Read the entire transcript here .

Frances McDormand

Upon receiving her 2nd Oscar in 2018, Frances McDormand's speech received a standing ovation after highlighting the integral role women have in Hollywood - both in front of and behind the camera.

The 'mic drop' moment was the mention of the ' inclusion rider .' An inclusion rider is a clause actors and filmmakers can insert into their contracts to ensure an appropriate level of diversity in a cast, from women to people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, and people with disabilities.

Key points of interest:

[00:03:16]

'And now I want to get some perspective. If I may be so honored to have all the female nominees in every category stand with me in this room tonight. [...] OK, look around, everybody, look around, ladies and gentlemen, because we all have stories to tell and projects we need financed'

[00:04:15]

'I have two words to leave with you tonight. Ladies and gentlemen, Inclusion Rider.'

Read the whole speech here .

Emma Watson

From actress to activist, Emma Watson is an outspoken supporter of gender equality. In a passionate women's rights speech at the UN in 2014, she declared gender equality an issue for both males and females to advocate. She asserted that 'feminism' has almost become a dirty word and that it is down to the inadvertent feminists to strengthen the movement.

She also talked about gender equality from a male perspective, highlighting mental health and gender stereotypes, demonstrating that men do not have gender equality either.

Key points of interest:

[00:01:51]

'The more I've spoken about feminism, the more I have realized that fighting for women's rights has too often become synonymous with man-hating. If there is one thing I know for certain. It is that this has to stop. For the record, feminism, by definition, is the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities.'

[00:04:05]

'I am from Britain. And I think it is right that I am paid the same as my male counterparts. I think it is right that I should be able to make decisions about my own body. I think. I think it is right that women be involved on my behalf in the policies and the decisions that will affect my life. I think it is right that socially I am afforded the same respect as men. But sadly, I can say that there is no one country in the world where all women can expect to receive these rights. No country in the world can yet say that they have achieved gender equality.'

[00:08:35]

'If men don't have to be aggressive in order to be accepted, women won't feel compelled to be submissive. If men don't have to control, women won't have to be controlled. Both men and women should feel free to be sensitive, both men and women should feel free to be strong. It is time that we all perceive gender on a spectrum instead of two sets of opposing ideals.'

The entire transcript can be found here .

Malala Yousafzai

Malala Yousafzai is one of the leading women's rights activists globally and the youngest person (and first Pakistani) to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014. In her acceptance speech, she delivered a heartfelt message advocating a women's right to education. She sheds light on women's rights from a unique cultural point of view.

[00:03:39]

'I have found that people describe me in many different ways. Some people call me the girl who was shot by the Taliban and some the girl who fought for her rights. [...] As far as I know, I'm just a committed and even stubborn person who wants to see every child getting quality education. Who wants to see women having equal rights and who wants peace in every corner of the world.'

Read the transcript in Trint .

Greta Thunberg

The youngest on our list, Greta Thunberg, is a name synonymous with activism. This is more of an honorable mention as her speech at the UN Climate Action Summit in 2019 focused on climate change rather than gender equality. However, even at the age of 16, and speaking in her non-native tongue, Thunburg faced gender-based bias following the speech. There was online backlash due to her emotional tone and age, proving that women's rights have a long way to go before equality is reached.

Key point of interest:

[00:00:54]

'You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words, yet I'm one of the lucky ones. People are suffering. People are dying. Entire ecosystems are collapsing. We are in the beginning of a mass extinction and all you can talk about is the money and fairy tales of his time of economic growth. How dare you?'

The speech transcript is here for you to read .

What's next for women's equality?

Thanks to these speeches by women, the topic of gender equality remains at the forefront of the public's mind. Having said that, there is still some way to go in the case of equal pay and gender stereotypes and other global issues. However, these speeches have given women a platform in which to make their voices heard.

Trint is an employer committed to equality for both genders with a number of initiatives like our Women in Tech and Diversity and Inclusion groups. We are committed to providing equal opportunities to our employees.

We used Trint to transcribe the MP4 files of these speeches, try it out for yourself .

Your free trial awaits, learn more about trint for enterprise.

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Speech: This is the moment, the opportunity, to finally call time on gender inequality

Opening remarks by UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous at the Generation Equality Midpoint Moment, United Nations Headquarters, New York, 17 September 2023.

Date: Monday, 18 September 2023

[As delivered.]

Welcome on behalf of UN Women, the global convenor of Generation Equality . Welcome to our Generation Equality Midpoint Moment .

We meet on the eve of the SDG Summit , seized by the challenges and the urgent imperatives to accelerate progress. Our latest research tells us that at the current rate of progress, more than 340 million women and girls will still live in extreme poverty by 2030, and close to one in four will experience moderate or severe food insecurity.

We need renewed energy, we need renewed commitment, and we need our will to change this trajectory. Generation Equality provides us with this opportunity.

UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous delivers opening remarks at the Generation Equality Midpoint Moment, United Nations Headquarters, New York, 17 September 2023. Photo: UN Women/Ryan Brown.

All of us here today are Generation Equality.

We are Generation Equality because we are all feminists.

We are Generation Equality because we know that gender equality and SDG 5 are the greatest of enablers and that the dividends of equality are limitless.

We are Generation Equality because we believe in and model the power of multistakeholder partnerships.

We are Generation Equality because we know that our coalition must stretch from the global to the local and we aspire to connect the energy here in this room with the energy at grass roots level around the world.

We are Generation Equality, and we are at the heart of change.

Fellow feminists,

At this Midpoint Moment we take stock, hold ourselves accountable, grow our movement, and energize ourselves and others, building on the achievements in Mexico City and Paris two years ago. We do so with pride. And our pride is based on evidence.

In just two years, youth, civil society, governments, private sector, and philanthropists have delivered unprecedented action. Collectively, Commitment Makers have already spent almost USD 10 billion on gender equality. Across the world they have already initiated or are implementing 849 policies, 2,306 programmes and 3,649 advocacy initiatives.

This is quite impressive.

In 2022, Compact signatories spent almost USD 1 billion on women, peace and security and humanitarian action, reaching 22.1 million women and girls. We should congratulate ourselves as we challenge ourselves to do more. Commitment Makers have reported a new total of USD 47 billion in financial commitments, with USD 20 billion already secured. And there is much more to come. And we thank you all for that.

Excellencies, partners, colleagues, friends, and fellow feminists,

This is the moment, the opportunity, to finally call time on gender inequality. This is when we say enough to pushback, enough to regression, enough to ongoing failures to invest and act.

We are disruptors. Our commitment is unwavering, the cause we work for, collectively, is undeniable.

I look forward to our time together here today.

And I thank you.

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10 Famous Speeches To Ignite The Feminist Fire Within You

Be inspired by the words of these powerful women

preview for Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Received A Handwritten letter From Dior's Maria Grazia Chiuri

It takes a lot to bring the world to a halt these days. We're all so 'busy'; life easily becomes a blur. But, every so often, someone comes along and interrupts that hectic cycle. Sometimes, it takes just one person to stand up and speak out against injustice . Sometimes, it takes just one person to make us listen .

Throughout history, so many of the people to make us stop and take note with their famous speeches have been women. From the women's suffrage movement in the 1800s and feminism's second wave in the 1970s to the global Women's March in 2017, the words and actions of famous figures such as Emmeline Pankhurst, Virginia Woolf, Maya Angelou and Gloria Steinhem (to name just a few) have transformed society.

It might explain then why the theme of International Women's Day 2021 was #ChooseToChallenge. We can learn so much from the powerful actions and inspiring words of the women who came before us – but, also, there's still so much work we have to do. It's our duty to carry on their work, challenging and changing and speaking up for equality .

And so here, we've rounded up the most famous speeches from a new era of women, who are continuing the task of transforming opinions, breaking boundaries and inspiring us all to keep choosing to challenge. Listen, learn and take note.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Will Not Accept Your Apology

After Florida Representative Ted Yoho reportedly called Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez 'a f*cking b*tch' on the steps of the Capitol in July 2020, he tried to excuse his behaviour by saying he has a wife and daughters. In response, AOC (as she's commonly referred to) took to the House floor with what has since been hailed 'the most important feminist speech of a generation' – fluently and passionately detailing why his 'apology' was, simply, not good enough.

Quotes of note:

'I am someone's daughter too. My father, thankfully, is not alive to see how Mr Yoho treated his daughter. My mother got to see Mr. Yoho's disrespect on the floor of this House towards me on television, and I am here because I have to show my parents that I am their daughter and that they did not raise me to accept abuse from men.

'What I believe is that having a daughter does not make a man decent. Having a wife does not make a decent man. Treating people with dignity and respect makes a decent man, and when a decent man messes up, as we all are bound to do, he tries his best and does apologise.'

Natalie Portman On Dismantling The Patriarchy

From her smart quip of 'here are all the male nominees' at the 2018 Golden Globes , calling out the women directors snubbed for the category, to her rousing 'f*ck up and thrive, sisters' speech at the ELLE Women In Hollywood event in 2019, Portman consistently calls out inequality in the film industry. And the actor's address at Variety's Women of Power event in 2019 was no different. In what is now referred to as 'Natalie Portman's Step-by-Step Guide to Toppling the Patriarchy', she made a strong case for all the ways in which we, as individuals, can make a difference.

'Be embarrassed if everyone in your workplace looks like you. Pay attention to physical ability, age, race, sexual orientation, gender identity and make sure you've got all kinds of experiences represented.

'Stop the rhetoric that a woman is crazy or difficult. If a man says a woman is crazy or difficult, ask him: What bad thing did you do to her? It's code that he is trying to discredit her reputation. Make efforts to hire people who've had their reputations smeared in retaliation.'

Michelle Obama On The Inequality Of Failure

Let's be honest: there are so many Michelle Obama speeches to choose from – the former FLOTUS is renowned for her passion for equality and her ability to uplift others with her words. But in a poignant keynote conversation with Tracee Ellis Ross at the United State of Women Summit in 2018, Obama spoke openly about the often-overlooked inequality of failure, and the disparities in repercussions for men and women.

Quote of note:

'I wish that girls could fail as bad as men do and be OK. Because let me tell you, watching men fail up, it is frustrating. It's frustrating to see a lot of men blow it and win. And we hold ourselves to these crazy, crazy standards.

'Start with what you can control. You start there. Because thinking about changing your workplace and changing the way the world thinks – that's big; that's daunting. And then you shrink from that. So start with what you can control. And that's you, first. And those questions start within. First, we must ask ourselves, "Are we using our voices? And when are we not? When are we playing it safe?" And at least be cognisant of that and understand, "These are the times that I shrunk away from doing more than I could, and let me think about why that was."'

Gina Martin On Misogyny, The Power Of Anger And How She Changed The Law

As she tells us in this refreshing TEDx talk from 2020, Gina Martin is not the kind of woman you'd expect to change the law. And yet, she did. The activist discusses the moment in 2017 when a stranger took a picture of her crotch at a festival without her consent – and how, after years of relentless campaigning, she succeeded in making upskirting a criminal offence. Martin makes it clear that anyone can make a change, no matter who they are or where they're from. And that's a lesson we all need to hear.

'Anger is a very normal response to having your human rights compromised. That's important to say. We have to stop using it to delegitimise people, with "angry feminist" or "angry Black woman" – all of these stereotypes. People are allowed to be angry about this stuff. And we have to hold space for them there. We have to realise it's not about us.

'Think about where you hold privilege – it might be in your job, as a parent, as a teacher, or just in the colour of your skin – and start this work now. Stop laughing at the jokes, buy the book, go to the event, diversify your social feeds, ask the questions. Sympathy is soothing, but it doesn't go far enough. Action does. And listen, you'll get things wrong. We all do, I've had some clangers. But it's not about perfection, it's about progress, it's about doing it because it's the right thing to do. We are so done with waiting for society to "change things" for us. We literally are society.'

Lady Gaga On Reclaiming Your Power

When Lady Gaga accepted her ELLE Women In Hollywood award in 2018, her career appeared to be at an all-time high, with Oscar buzz for her role in A Star Is Born , and her song 'Shallow' at number one in the US. But, as she explained, what people perceive a woman, especially in Hollywood, isn't always the reality.

Gaga may have made this moving speech several years ago, but it feels particularly poignant to revisit it during a period in which violence towards women is a more devastating and pressing topic than ever. In it, Gaga recounts how being sexually assaulted caused her to 'shut down' and 'hide'. She explores the debilitating effect of shame on her mental health and also the power of kindness and support in overcoming it.

Importantly, Gaga explains that she eventually found her power within herself – and how, once she took it back, she was able to use it to move beyond the prescribed expectations society puts upon women.

'What does it really mean to be a woman in Hollywood? We are not just objects to entertain the world. We are not simply images to bring smiles or grimaces to people's faces. We are not members of a giant beauty pageant meant to be pit against one another for the pleasure of the public. We women in Hollywood, we are voices. We have deep thoughts and ideas and beliefs and values about the world and we have the power to speak and be heard and fight back when we are silenced.'

'I decided today I wanted to take the power back. Today I wear the pants... I had a revelation that I had to be empowered to be myself today more than ever. To resist the standards of Hollywood, whatever that means. To resist the standards of dressing to impress. To use what really matters: my voice.'

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie On Redefining Feminism

You may not have knowingly heard to author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's speech before, but there's a good chance you will have listened to her words without realising – Beyoncé actually weaved a key part of Adichie's feminist manifesto into her track '***Flawless'. In her speech, Adichie reflects on the gender disparities still evident our society, with a focus on those in her native Africa, and dissects the meaning of 'feminist' – both the connotations and myths it carries – and how she came to define the term for herself.

'We teach girls to shrink themselves, to make themselves smaller, we say to girls, "You can have ambition, but not too much. You should aim to be successful, but not too successful, otherwise you would threaten the man." ...But what if we question the premise itself? Why should a woman's success be a threat to a man?

'I want to be respected in all of my femaleness because I deserve to be. Gender is not an easy conversation to have. For both men and women, to bring up gender is sometimes to encounter almost immediate resistance... Some of the men here might be thinking, "OK, all of this is interesting, but I don't think like that." And that is part of the problem – that many men do not actively think about gender or notice gender is part of the problem.'

Kamala Harris On Setting A New Standard For The Next Generation

On November 7 2020, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris delivered her first national address after Joe Biden 's position as President was secured. As the first woman to hold the position and the first person of colour to do so, Harris' presence alone was enough to break boundaries. But then came her words. In the speech, she reflected on triumph of democracy and credited the work of the women who came before us, plus that of 'a new generation of women in... who cast their ballots and continued the fight for their fundamental right to vote and be heard'.

'While I may be the first woman in this office, I will not be the last, because every little girl watching tonight sees that this is a country of possibilities. And to the children of our country, regardless of your gender, our country has sent you a clear message: Dream with ambition, lead with conviction, and see yourselves in a way that others may not, simply because they've never seen it before, but know that we will applaud you every step of the way.'

Amanda Gorman On Finding Your Voice

If you didn't know Amanda Gorman before this year, you'll definitely know her now, thanks to her reading at US President Joe Biden's swearing-in ceremony. The United States' first-ever youth poet laureate's powerful, rhythmic poem 'The Hill We Climb' made the world stop and listen, highlighting the many inequalities in our society and reminding us that we need to work together to overcome them.

While 2021 was the year that catapulted Gorman into the spotlight, it wasn't the first time she'd spoken out about the world around her. In her 2018 TED Talk, she discusses the power of speech, learning to find her voice and how 'poetry is actually at the centre of our most political questions about what it means to be a democracy'.

'I had a moment of realisation, where I thought, "If I choose not to speak out of fear, then there's no one that my silence is standing for."'

'When someone asks me to write a poem that's not political, what they're really asking me is to not ask charged and challenging questions in my poetic work. And that does not work, because poetry is always at the pulse of the most dangerous and most daring questions that a nation or a world might face.'

'If I choose, not out of fear, but out of courage, to speak, then there's something unique that my words can become... It might feel like every story has been told before, but the truth is, no one's ever told my story in the way I would tell it.'

Frances McDormand Demands Inclusion In Hollywood

It's one thing to make a great acceptance speech at the Oscars. But to share that honour with your fellow nominees and use it as a platform to highlight where your industry needs to do better? That's a whole other story, and one told by McDormand in a speech that got everybody on their feet as she accepted the Oscar for Best Actress at the 2018 Academy Awards.

'I want to get some perspective. If I may be so honoured to have all the female nominees in every category stand with me in this room tonight, the actors... the filmmakers, the producers, the directors, the writers, the cinematographers, the composers, the songwriters, the designers... We all have stories to tell and projects we need financed. Don't talk to us about it at the parties tonight. Invite us into your office in a couple days, or you can come to ours, whatever suits you best, and we'll tell you all about them. I have two words to leave with you tonight, ladies and gentlemen: "inclusion rider".'

Meghan Markle On Realising The Magnitude Of Individual Action

Long before she made headlines as the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle had already made the world take notice. At the UN Women Conference back in 2015, she spoke about 'accidentally' becoming a female advocate when at just 11 years old, when she convinced a dish soap company to change their sexist tagline from 'Women all over America are fighting greasy pots and pans' to 'People all over America…' instead. Here, she discusses the power of individual action, and why we need to remind women that 'their involvement matters'.

'It is just imperative: women need a seat at the table, they need an invitation to be seated there, and in some cases, where this is not available, well then, you know what, they need to create their own table. We need a global understanding that we cannot implement change effectively without women's political participation.

'It is said that girls with dreams become women with vision. May we empower each other to carry out such vision – because it isn't enough to simply talk about equality. One must believe in it. And it isn't enough to simply believe in it. One must work at it. Let us work at it. Together. Starting now.

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UN Women HQ

Speech: A gender-equal world is within our reach if we choose it

Date: Tuesday, 24 September 2024

Remarks delivered by UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous at the side event, “Beijing+30: Achieving gender equality, the rights and empowerment of all women and girls”, Summit of the Future, Action Day 2, 21 September 2024, UN headquarters.

[As delivered.]

Excellencies, colleagues, fellow feminists, friends,

Next year we commemorate thirty years since the world convened to craft a historic agreement that had no less a vision than to build a world where every woman and girl would live free from discrimination, from violence, and from inequality. The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action remains the most visionary roadmap for advancing gender equality, empowerment, and the rights of all women and girls, everywhere. It has inspired so many to do so much.

UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous delivers opening remarks at the side event, “Beijing+30: Achieving gender equality, the rights and empowerment of all women and girls”, Summit of the Future, Action Day 2, 21 September 2024, UN headquarters. Photo: UN Women/Ryan Brown.

I pay tribute here to the women peacebuilders in Sudan, the Sahel, and everywhere. To the activists across the Americas who have championed the cause of a caring economy and a caring society. To the women in Gaza who are living the unimaginable daily in a war that must end. To the women fighting for their voices to be heard in Afghanistan. To the adolescent girls forging new pathways as innovators of digital technology. To the women and girl climate activists fighting for a planet on fire. To women’s human rights defenders the world over. Heroes all or, as some would say, sheroes all.

We see you, every one. Your work, your energy, and journey for justice, whilst long, is making a difference. And we thank you all.

Today we celebrate the progress we have seen since 1995. Lower overall poverty rates for women, finally. Great progress in education. Positive legal reforms that promote women’s rights across numerous countries, changing lives for the better.

However, let this progress not blind us to reality. The progress is too little, too slow. While the tireless activists for equality have done their job, the rest of the world has not. And so, we find ourselves racing against time.

Our latest SDG Snapshot Report tells us that, without acceleration, a girl born today will be 39 years old before women hold as many seats in parliament as men, she will be 68 before child marriage ends, and she will be 137 before extreme poverty for women and girls is eradicated. Last year, 612 million women and girls lived amidst the brutal realities of armed conflict, with a shocking 50-per-cent increase in conflict-related sexual violence perpetrated against them.

Excellencies, colleagues, friends,

We launch today a year of action to commemorate the thirtieth anniversary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action . We contend that commemoration must be judged by acceleration and by positive change in the lives of women and girls everywhere. To achieve this, we will work with Member States and other stakeholders to advance high-impact, high-return-on-investment priority actions at country level, harvested from the insights of your progress reports for Beijing+30 and what we know works and works fast.

This is about focus. So, we propose six priority drivers for gender equality and the SDGs more broadly:

First, national action plans to end violence against women and girls;
Second, securing women’s leadership through temporary special measures;
Third, unlocking finance to support the care economy and to reduce women’s unpaid care work;
Fourth, bridging the gender digital gap;
Fifth, linking economic empowerment to climate action and transitions to green and blue economies; and
Sixth, ensuring accountability to the women, peace, security, and humanitarian action agendas.

And across all: ensuring that girls and young women and young people are seen, uplifted, and heard.

We will also work with civil society, in particular women’s and youth organizations, to ensure they have the strategic pathways and resources they need, in the broadest sense, to claim rights and influence action.

And we will work within the multilateral system to recommit to SDG 5 acceleration through the Beijing+30 review , including through the Secretary-General’s Gender Equality Acceleration Plan, so that it better delivers on gender equality and a unified position on women’s rights, especially needed in the current context of pushback and regression. Together, we will ensure that the multilateral system is a force for real change in the lives of women and girls at the country, regional, and global levels.

Excellencies, dear friends, dear feminists, everyone in this room,

We convene today on the eve of the Summit of the Future , where the world is recommitting to reinvigorated multilateralism and recognizing women’s rights’ rightful place at the heart of it. That timing is opportune, and over the coming months you will see our advocacy, our communications, our engagement with all partners, to ensure that we collectively do justice to the legacy and the vision of the Beijing Platform for Action.

Dear friends,

We can and must make the choice to collectively leverage this moment. We can and must galvanize the political will, commitment, and resources needed to get back on track. We can and must fulfil the promise of the Beijing Platform for Action and the SDGs. A gender-equal world is within our reach if we choose it. We owe it to women and girls and to everyone, to our children and theirs, to delay no further and to build a future where women and girls everywhere thrive.

Most welcome and thank you.

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Home — Essay Samples — Social Issues — Gender Equality — Emma Watson Gender Equality Speech: Rhetorical Analysis

Emma Watson Gender Equality Speech: Rhetorical Analysis

Categories: Gender Equality

About this sample

Words: 1218 |

Published: Aug 14, 2023

Words: 1218 | Pages: 3 | 7 min read

Introduction, analysis of emma watson's gender equality speech, reflection of speech, audience and purpose, persuasive techniques, speech delivery, body language.

Short Speech

Long And Short Speech For Everyone

Speech On Gender Equality

In today’s fast-changing world, it is more important than ever to break barriers and embrace gender equality. The movement toward gender equality has gained momentum in recent years, but there is still much work to be done. This speech explores the power of gender equality and how it can unleash the potential in individuals, organizations, and societies.

By removing barriers that limit opportunities for women and girls, we pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future. Gender equality is not only a moral imperative, it is also an economic imperative. Studies have shown that when women are given equal access to education, employment, and leadership roles, economies thrive and societies prosper.

From closing the gender pay gap to breaking glass ceilings, gender equality is about creating a world where everyone has equal opportunities and rights, no matter their gender. It is about challenging and dismantling the stereotypes and prejudices that perpetuate inequality.

Speech No.1: Speech On Gender Equality

Speaker: School And College Student, Teacher
Audience: Students, Teachers, General Publi c

“Men’s health is better, too, in countries with more gender equality.” Liz plank

It’s not unusual for a participant in a conversation about gender equality to ask, “What about the men?” Because of the underlying notion that providing women with more freedom and rights somehow deprives men of their rights, achieving gender equality has proven challenging. But the truth is that gender equality benefits everyone.

One of the major problems in our current, modern culture is gender equality. It alludes to the fact that males and females have the same obligations, privileges, and opportunities. Globally, women and girls continue to lag behind men and boys in essential areas. The main reason is gender inequality. And that’s why there is talk about gender equality.

Then what is gender equality?

The condition of being in which all people, regardless of their biological differences, can easily and equally access all opportunities, resources, etc. is known as gender equality or sexual equality. They should be treated equally in practically every aspect of life, including the ability to shape their own futures, engage in economic activity, choose their own lifestyles, and exercise their right to free choice. Gender equality—which includes the equal right of boys and girls to primary education—has now made progress.

Gender equality refers to the general provision of equality for men and women at all levels, including those of the family, education, and of employment. In order for men and women to achieve their goals independently, all barriers and restrictions imposed by the family, society, and the wider world must be broken down on this topic of gender equality.

As we all know, gender is a social construct. It is imposed by society by describing some natural traits of a specific biological being. There are still many regions of the world where discrimination and violence against women and girls persist.

Making our legal and regulatory structures more robust is unquestionably necessary to combat the deeply ingrained practice of gender inequity.

We hope that soon everyone will acknowledge the contributions made by both men and women in our contemporary society. Due to ignorance and discrimination, we are all aware of how women are treated in society. They are being killed even while still in the womb because their parents believe they will be a financial burden. Even after they are born, they are forced to participate in domestic duties and are not allowed access to an education, good jobs, etc.

Since ancient times, various genders have been assigned stereotypes and roles, such as men’s responsibility for bringing in the cash and women’s responsibility for taking care of the home and family.

Men and women should step outside their comfort zones to pursue their dreams rather than worry about the outside world in order to break these preconceptions. This topic is about accepting and respecting the differences and actions of both genders, not about giving women everything a male can do or the opposite. Not only are males criticized when they pick or reject their social position, such as choosing a variety of careers, which needs to be remedied, Finally, but gender equality also entails treating each gender equally and with respect.

Women are treated as deities in our spiritual beliefs, yet we initially fail to see them as human beings. In many businesses, women are still taken into consideration for positions of decision-making. Overall economic stability will be attained through promoting gender equality in the provision of healthcare services, education, employment opportunities, and participation in monetary and administrative decision-making processes. The significance of gender equality is emphasized by many international organizations as a springboard for discussion of numerous demographic, economic, and other issues.

Inequality between men and women has been a problem since ancient times. It is quite terrible how human biological variances might alter several types of values and rights. The features and importance that are available to both sexes vary, from birth to marriage, from occupations to lifestyles.

The Indian government has also begun to take action to improve gender equality. Many laws and regulations are being prepared to support girls. To raise awareness of the value of girls, the “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Yojana” (Save Girls, Make Girls Educated) program was developed. There are also other regulations in place to safeguard girls. However, we must raise public awareness of the necessity of protecting women’s rights. The government should also take steps to ensure that policies are being implemented correctly and orderly.

Speech No.2: Long Speech on Gender Equality

Follow this speech to customize your speech according to your audience.

Flow of Speech

The importance of gender equality
Gender equality in the workplace

Gender equality in education

Gender equality in politics

The impact of gender equality on society

Breaking cultural and social barriers

Promoting gender equality through legislation

Successful examples of gender equality initiatives

Conclusion: The future of gender equality

Gender equality is not only a moral imperative, it is also an economic imperative. Studies have shown that when women are given equal access to education, employment, and leadership roles, economies thrive and societies prosper. By removing barriers that limit opportunities for women and girls, we pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future.

Gender equality is about creating a world where everyone has equal opportunities and rights, regardless of gender. It is about challenging and dismantling the stereotypes and prejudices that perpetuate inequality. From closing the gender pay gap to breaking glass ceilings, gender equality is an essential step towards a fair and just society.

One of the major battlegrounds for gender equality is the workplace. Despite progress, women still face significant challenges in accessing and advancing into the workforce. Gender discrimination, unequal pay, and lack of representation in leadership positions continue to hinder progress.

However, organizations that prioritize gender equality not only create more inclusive and diverse work environments but also gain a competitive advantage. Studies have shown that companies with diverse leadership teams outperform their peers and are more innovative and adaptable. By promoting equal opportunities, implementing fair hiring practices, and providing support for work-life balance, organizations can create a workplace culture that benefits everyone.

Education is a powerful tool for empowerment and gender equality. When girls are given equal access to education, they are more likely to break the cycle of poverty, improve their health and well-being, and contribute to their communities and economies. However, gender disparities in education still persist in many parts of the world.

Efforts to promote gender equality in education include eliminating barriers such as child marriage, gender-based violence, and cultural norms that prioritize the education of boys over girls. Providing safe and inclusive learning environments, ensuring access to quality education for all, and empowering girls with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive are essential steps towards achieving gender equality in education.

Political representation plays an important role in advancing gender equality. Women’s voices and perspectives are often under-represented in decision-making processes, leading to policies that do not adequately address the needs and concerns of women and girls.

Increasing women’s political participation and representation is not only a matter of fairness but also promotes better governance and more inclusive policies. By promoting equal opportunities for women to participate in politics, removing barriers to their political ambitions, and addressing gender-based violence and discrimination in politics, we can create a more equitable and responsive political system.

Gender equality has far-reaching effects on the entire society. When women and girls are empowered, they become agents of change, driving economic growth, reducing poverty, and improving the well-being of their families and communities. Gender equality also contributes to social stability, peace-building, and sustainable development.

Gender equality is not just about women’s rights; It is about building a society where everyone can live free from discrimination and enjoy equal opportunities and rights. By breaking down cultural and social barriers, challenging harmful norms and stereotypes, and promoting gender equality through law and policies, we can create a more just and equitable world for all.

Cultural and social barriers often reinforce gender inequality. Harmful practices such as child marriage, female genital mutilation, and gender-based violence continue to affect women and girls around the world. Breaking these barriers requires a multi-pronged approach that includes education, awareness raising, community engagement, and legal reforms.

It is important to empower women and girls to challenge and overcome these barriers. Providing support and resources for survivors of gender-based violence, promoting gender-sensitive education, and engaging men and boys as allies in the fight for gender equality are essential steps toward creating a more inclusive and equitable society. Are.

Law plays an important role in promoting and protecting gender equality. Laws that address gender-based discrimination, ensure equal pay for equal work, and promote women’s political participation are essential to achieving gender equality. However, laws alone are not enough; They need to be implemented and implemented effectively.

Efforts to promote gender equality through law include advocating for gender-responsive laws, providing legal aid and support for survivors of gender-based violence, and working toward gender-responsive justice systems. By creating an enabling legal environment, we can ensure that gender equality is not only a lofty ideal but a concrete reality for all.

The role of men in achieving gender equality

While gender equality is often seen as a women’s issue, men also have an important role to play in achieving gender equality. Men can be powerful allies and advocates for gender equality by challenging harmful stereotypes, promoting gender equality in their personal and professional lives, and supporting women’s leadership and empowerment.

Engaging men and boys in conversations about gender equality, promoting positive masculinity, and addressing the root causes of gender inequality are essential steps toward creating a more inclusive and equitable society. When men and women work together as allies, the potential for positive change increases manifold.

There are many inspiring examples of gender equality initiatives around the world. From grassroots movements to corporate diversity and inclusion programs, these initiatives are driving change and making a tangible difference in the lives of women and girls.

For example, the HeForShe campaign launched by UN Women encourages men and boys to take action and stand up for gender equality. The Girl Effect, a global movement, focuses on empowering teenage girls to break the cycle of poverty and create a better future for themselves and their communities. These initiatives, along with many others, demonstrate the power of collective action and the potential for change.

The journey towards gender equality is long and complex, but its results are immeasurable. By breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, and promoting equal opportunities for all, we can unlock the untapped potential of gender equality. Together, we can create a world where everyone can thrive, regardless of their gender.

As individuals, organizations, and societies, we have a responsibility to support gender equality and work towards a more just and equitable world. By embracing the power of gender equality, we can create a future that is inclusive, prosperous, and truly transformative.

Let us join hands and continue the fight for gender equality. Together, we can break down barriers and unleash the power of gender equality for a better tomorrow.

Add In Your Speech

Title For Speech

Breaking Barriers: Unleashing the Power of Gender Equality
Empowering Voices: How Gender Equality Creates a Harmonious Society
From Injustice to Empowerment: The Journey towards Gender Equality
Beyond Equality: Why Gender Balance is Essential for a Flourishing World
Equality Unveiled: How Gender Equality Ignites Progress in Every Sector

Sample of the flow of Speech

Barriers to gender equality
Breaking stereotypes and societal expectations
Empowering women in the workplace
Promoting gender equality in education
Global efforts towards gender equality
Case studies of successful gender equality initiatives
Conclusion: Taking action for a more equal future
Understanding the barriers to gender equality
The importance of gender equality in society
Breaking stereotypes and challenging gender norms
The role of men in promoting gender equality
Government policies and initiatives for gender equality
Organizations and movements supporting gender equality

Speech On Unity In Diversity

Good morning My sincere good morning wishes go out to my excellent star, the preceptors, and the rest of the staff, as well as to all of my fellow scholars at the academy. “United we stand, divided we fall,” says an adage. As a result, as a country, we should strive to remain united to…

Speech On Global Warming

Speech No.1: Long Speech on Global Warming Namaste! I am…..(Self Intro) Welcome you all to this seminar/auditorium….. Our planet’s alarm is going off, and it’s time to wake up and take action!” Leonardo DiCaprio This quote is not for waking up those who sleep daily, but if we go into details, it is asking us…

Speech On Environmental Pollution

My sincere good morning wishes go out to my excellent principal, the teachers, and the rest of the staff, as well as to all of my fellow students at the school. Environmental pollution is not a recent phenomenon, but it continues to be the biggest threat to humanity and the main factor in environmental illness…

Speech On Laughter Is the Best Medicine

Good morning Respected principal teachers and my dear fellows Today, I’ll talk about this well-known adage. If you use the internet frequently, you’ve probably heard the proverb “Laughter is the best medicine.” As it merely suggests, one of the best treatments for humanity is laughter. When we are ill or experience bodily discomfort, medication works…

Speech On Poverty

India’s fight against poverty is not over yet, but there is hope on the horizon. In a motivational and inspiring speech, a prominent leader addresses the serious issue of poverty and proposes bold strategies to break this cycle forever. This powerful speech titled “Breaking the Cycle of Poverty in India: A Speech That Will Inspire…