Emma Watson Covers Elle U.K., Talks About Feminism and Fear About That U.N. Speech

Harry Potter alum's public comments about feminism and gender inequality, made at the United Nations headquarters in September, had gone viral

By Corinne Heller Oct 29, 2014 7:16 PMTags
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Emma Watson, who gave a powerful and inspirational speech at the United Nations about gender inequality, which went viral, has landed the cover of Elle U.K.'s feminism-themed December 2014 issue and showcases stylish looks in a new photo shoot for the magazine.

The 24-year-old actress, who famously played Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter movies and is a U.N. Women Goodwill Ambassador, wants to continue to clear up some possible misconceptions about feminism.

"Feminism is not here to dictate to you. It's not prescriptive, it's not dogmatic," she told Elle U.K. "All we are here to do is give you a choice. If you want to run for President, you can. If you don't, that's wonderful, too."

"I'm lucky I was raised to believe that my opinion at the dinner table was valuable," she added. "My mum and I spoke as loudly as my brothers."

Watson spoken about gender inequality before a packed room at the United Nationals headquarters in September for the launch of the HeForShe gender equality campaign, which has since been promoted by celebrities, both female and male, including heartthrobs Tom Hiddleston (pictured below) and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

"I was very nervous," the actress told Elle U.K., regarding her speech. "It wasn't an easy thing for me to do. It felt like, 'Am I going to have lunch with these people, or am I going to be eaten? Am I the lunch?'"

In her U.N. speech, Watson had mentioned her "nervousness."

She had also talked about society's changing perception of feminism, saying the word has become "unpopular" and "uncomfortable."

"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," she said at the U.N. "If there is one thing I know for certain, it is that this has to stop."

Watson had also said in her speech that at age 14, she "started to be sexualized by certain elements of the media." Fellow Harry Potter alum Daniel Radcliffe said in a recent interview, while talking about being seen as a "sex symbol," that the "male population has had no problem sexualizing Emma Watson immediately."

The actress graces the cover of Elle U.K. in a blue and white striped Stella McCartney cutout outfit and also poses in a cleavage-baring top in another photos taken for the magazine. Another one shows her more covered up, channeling the ultimate business-casual look in jeans and a blazer.