Emma Watson was greeted by hundreds of young people in Uruguay as she made an appearance at the country’s parliament.
The British actress visited the capital Montevideo in her capacity as Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women to deliver a petition calling for a greater representation of women in politics.
“I was immensely touched to see so many young people outside the Parliament here in Uruguay,” said the 24-year-old.
Famous for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films, Watson was named ambassador for the UN agency for women in July.
Her participation in delivering the petition was the culmination of a campaign by social organisations that promote gender equality and the promotion of women in politics, and supported by the UN Women’s equality fund.
The document contained 4,000 signatures.
The text of the petition called on the Uruguayan state to take affirmative measures to ensure the participation of women in sectors in which they are traditionally discriminated against.
“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,” Watson added.
Only 13% of parliamentarians are women in Uruguay and unlike other countries in the region such as Argentina, Brazil and Chile, Uruguay has never had a female president.