Emma Watson has met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to discuss her ‘HeForShe’ campaign.
The 44-year-old politician recently became an ambassador for the UN campaign which calls for men to advocate women’s rights, and the ‘Harry Potter’ actress – who has been working as an advocate for the cause since 2014 – took the time to meet with him during her visit to Ottawa.
The pair met to discuss the former ‘Harry Potter’ star’s work with the campaign, as well as the championing issues that affect women across the world.
During their meeting on Wednesday (09.28.16), Justin said: "The ‘HeForShe’ campaign has extraordinary impact around the world, making men champions of women’s issues that are everyone’s issues. Her [Emma’s] voice is extremely important in making people realize how important this is."
Trudeau has been very vocal on his stance as a feminist since his election in 2015, and his cabinet – which comprises of high-ranking state officials – is split equally between men and women. After being sworn in as prime minister, a reporter asked him why he felt so strongly about gender equality and he simply replied: "Because it is 2015."
Speaking to Justin, 26-year-old Watson said: "It’s been such an exciting visit for me to come visit your parliament. It was so inspiring that you made your cabinet 50/50. We’re very excited that you’re a ‘HeForShe’ Youth Ambassador. I can’t wait to see what you’re going to do with that title."
‘HeForShe’ was set up by the UN in 2014 after Emma was appointed as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador that same year.
Speaking about her role, she said previously: "Being asked to serve as UN Women’s Goodwill Ambassador is truly humbling. The chance to make a real difference is not an opportunity that everyone is given and is one I have no intention of taking lightly. Women’s rights are something so inextricably linked with who I am."