Emma Watson travels to Uruguay to call for more women in politics

OHMYGOSSIP — Emma Watson received a warm welcome as she arrived in Uruguay to act as UN Goodwill Ambassador and call for a greater representation of women in politics.

The 24-year-old Harry Potter actress appeared at the capital’s parliament in Montevideo, where she delivered a petition urging the Uruguayan state to implement measures ensuring a greater participation of women in parliament.

It also called for a prevention of the current gender discrimination within the political sector.

The country has never had a female president and only 13% of Uruguayan parliamentarians are women.

Hundreds of teenagers gathered at the Legislative Palace to catch a glimpse of the star, who later told reporters of the positive response: “I was immensely touched to see so many young people outside the Parliament here in Uruguay.”

Speaking about the campaign to promote gender equality in politics – supported by the UN Women’s equality fund – Watson continued: “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 Uruguayan women because thankfully I have this platform and I’m able to shine a light on these issues.”

She joined Uruguay’s Vice President Danilo Astori and Director of UN Women Gulden Turkoz-Cosslett as she presented the document with 4,000 signatures.

Watson was appointed UN Women Goodwill Ambassador to promote gender equality and women in politics earlier this year.