HeForShe

HeForShe
Name	HeForShe
Formation	September 20, 2014
Type	Solidarity movement
Founder	UN Women
Key people	Emma Watson, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka
Website	http://www.heforshe.org

HeForShe. A solidarity movement for the advancement of gender equality, initiated by UN Women. Launched with a landmark speech by a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, the campaign seeks to actively engage men and boys as agents of change in achieving equality. It operates on the principle that gender equality is not solely a women's issue but a human rights issue requiring participation from all genders.

Background and launch

The initiative was conceived by UN Women, the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. It was formally launched on September 20, 2014, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. The public introduction was delivered by British actress and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador Emma Watson, in a widely publicized address before the United Nations General Assembly. Her speech framed the campaign as an invitation to men, challenging harmful stereotypes and calling for shared responsibility. The launch event was attended by numerous dignitaries, including then-UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.

Goals and principles

The primary goal is to achieve gender equality by encouraging men and boys to take action against negative inequalities faced by women and girls. Its foundational principle posits that gender equality will only be realized when men and women work together as partners. The movement advocates for men to challenge patriarchal norms and behaviors within their own spheres of influence, from the workplace to the home. It emphasizes that dismantling gender discrimination benefits all of society, contributing to improved health, stronger economies, and more stable communities globally.

Activities and campaigns

The movement organizes global advocacy and awareness-raising activities, including the IMPACT 10x10x10 initiative which engages governments, corporations, and universities as champions for change. Participants like the University of Oxford, Unilever, and the Government of Iceland have made concrete commitments. It has hosted major events such as the HeForShe Arts Week in partnership with institutions like the Brooklyn Museum and the Royal Academy of Arts. The #HeForSheAtHome digital campaign was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic to address the surge in domestic violence. The movement also utilizes social media platforms to foster global conversations and track pledges of solidarity.

Impact and reception

The campaign garnered significant media attention and millions of solidarity pledges from individuals worldwide within its first few years. It has successfully secured high-level commitments from leaders of nations like Finland, Indonesia, and Rwanda. Corporate partners, including Spotify and Procter & Gamble, have implemented new policies on pay equity and inclusive leadership. The movement's approach has been praised by figures such as Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai and former President of the United States Barack Obama. Its model of engaging men in feminism has been studied and discussed in academic circles and institutions like the London School of Economics.

Criticism and challenges

Some feminist scholars and activists have critiqued the initiative for focusing on male advocacy in a space traditionally led by women, potentially centering men in the narrative of a women's movement. Critics argue it risks oversimplifying complex structural issues into a matter of individual pledges. The campaign has also faced challenges in demonstrating measurable, long-term impact beyond awareness, and in ensuring its corporate and government partners follow through on commitments. Engaging men in regions with deeply entrenched patriarchal systems, such as parts of the Middle East and South Asia, remains an ongoing difficulty.

Notable supporters and ambassadors

The movement has been endorsed by a wide array of global figures. Beyond founder Emma Watson, celebrity advocates include actor Matt Damon, musician Ed Sheeran, and Hollywood director J.J. Abrams. World leaders like former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta have publicly championed the cause. Athletes such as FC Barcelona player Gerard Piqué and Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton have served as ambassadors. Influential thinkers like author Hanya Yanagihara and economist Jeffrey Sachs have also expressed their support.

Category:UN Women Category:Feminist organizations Category:Human rights organizations