“We are struggling for a uniting word, but the good news is that we have a uniting movement,” said Emma Watson during her speech to the United Nations on Sept. 20.

During the speech, Watson called for men to take action in the feminist movement. She spoke out about the mistreatment of women and offered a new approach to the campaign for equal rights. Watson planned to reach out to men. She questioned how the feminist movement can advance when men are excluded.

“How can we effect change in the world when only half of it is invited or feel[s] welcome to participate in the conversation,” said Watson.

Watson notes how many people, men and women, fear the word feminism, as it is accredited with favoring women and hating men.

“Fighting for women’s rights has too often become synonymous with man-hating,” said Watson. “If there is one thing I know for certain, it is that this has to stop.”

Many Mercy girls agree with Watson.

“It is important… to have feminism to help unite women,” said sophomore Abby Bays. “Being a feminist should not be seen as a bad thing.”

At Mercy, students witness the struggle of girls in less fortunate situations and are accustomed to fighting for women’s rights.

“The biggest problem with society is that girls are sexualized at a young age for the pleasure of men,” said senior Lizzie Lilley.

Women are looked down upon in schools, workplaces, and in public settings in general. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, women make 77 cents compared to $1.00 earned by a man in the same position. Women also continue to be sexualized through school dress codes and thorough the ‘rape culture’ society which supports ‘she-asked-for-it’ clothing choices.

“Women cannot walk alone at night without the fear of rape,” said senior Katelyn Toloff. “At public schools girls are sent home because their clothing is distracting the boys’s education.”

The feminist movement has spread across the world, but has been reprimanded by many for its lack of inclusion. Emma Watson’s movement, He for She, hopes to change the image of feminists and make a larger impact on equality.

“If you still hate the word, it is not the word that is important,” said Watson. “It’s the idea and the ambition behind it.”

To view Emma Watson’s speech visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-iFl4qhBsE

To join her fight for equality visit: heforshe.org