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Emma Watson: Feminism Is ‘Not Dogmatic,’ It’s About Having Choices

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HeForShe Campaign Launch
Emma Watson, Ban Ki-Moon attends the launch of the HeForShe Campaign at the United Nations on September 20, 2014 in New York City. (Steve Sands--WireImage)Steve Sands—WireImage
By Charlotte Alter

The Harry Potter star and new UN Women Goodwill ambassador will grace the cover of ELLE‘s feminism-themed December issue.

In a sneak-peak at the full interview from ELLE’s U.K. website, here’s what she has to say about feminism:

“Feminism is not here to dictate to you. It’s not prescriptive, it’s not dogmatic. All we are here to do is give you a choice. If you want to run for President, you can. If you don’t, that’s wonderful, too.”

Watson also said her upbringing helped influence her ideas about feminism:

“I’m lucky I was raised to believe that my opinion at the dinner table was valuable. My mum and I spoke as loudly as my brothers.”

The British star made waves last month when she spoke at the UN He for She event about the importance of feminism for both women and men.

[ELLE]

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Write to Charlotte Alter at charlotte.alter@time.com