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Emma Watson gives speech for the U.N. in Uruguay

Written by . Published: September 18 2014

Emma Watson jetted to Uruguay this week (beg15Sep14) to give a speech as part of her new role as a United Nations (U.N.) Goodwill Ambassador.


The Harry Potter actress, who was appointed to the position in July (14), addressed an event at Uruguay's Parliament in the capital city Montevideo on Wednesday (17Sep14) which was organised by several women's groups.


Watson spoke via a translator backing the U.N.'s HeForShe campaign, which is fighting for more elected female senators, and she won applause from audience members including Uruguay's Vice President Danilo Astori.


The 24 year old admits she was pleased with how her speech was received, saying, "At the back of the room there were five young women, probably under the age of 17, who were holding a banner that said, 'Say yes to more women in politics'. To see this kind of participation is why I'm here. It's why I've come to Uruguay and why I want to work with U.N. Women...Thankfully, I have this platform and I'm able to shine a light on these issues, which are really important to me and this is what I want to continue to do and what I believe in passionately."

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