( CNN ) British actress Emma Watson made an impassioned plea to women around the world : `` Do n't let anyone tell you what you can or can not do , or can not achieve . `` Just do n't allow it . It 's wrong . It 's so wrong . Be what you want to be -- and prove them wrong . '' The emotional Harry Potter star took to the stage at Facebook 's headquarters in London on Sunday , March 8 , to talk about gender equality as part of International Women 's Day celebrations . CNN was among the live audience of around 150 people -- with millions more watching the live stream across the world -- as the 24-year-old UN Goodwill Ambassador spoke about her own feminist journey . Emma 's Facebook moment . Of the dozens gathered at the event , the majority were bespectacled young men -- not so unlike Harry Potter himself . Describing the `` surreal '' moment she gave a speech at U.N. headquarters , later watched by 17 million , Watson said : `` Gender equality historically has been a woman 's movement . `` And how it 's affecting men has n't been addressed , '' she told moderator Greg James . During the hour-long conversation , Watson gave the audience a rare glimpse into her private life -- and the difference between chivalry and sexism . `` I love having the door opened for me , is n't that just polite ? '' she said . `` But I think the key is , would you then mind me opening the door for you ? '' `` Chivalry should be consensual . '' And it 's not just women affected by gender inequality -- men suffer too , she added . `` I get disturbed by this idea that men ca n't cry , '' she continued . `` They ca n't express themselves and I think that 's the saddest thing in the world . Being able to express yourself is what makes you human -- it 's not what makes you a girl . '' When internet trolls threatened to release naked photos of the actress , following her UN speech , she said it only made her more determined in her campaign . `` If they were trying to put me off -- they did the opposite , '' she added . Almost 230,000 men and boys across the world have since joined the HeForShe campaign , including U.S. President Barack Obama , and actors Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Matt Damon . `` I read a letter of support from a 13-year-old boy that was equally as passionate as a CEO , '' said Watson , adding that she often read their stories before going to bed at night . `` I asked my younger sister : 'What would be the one thing you 'd want from boys in your life ? ' She said : ' I just want them to play with us . ' And I think that really translates at every level . We just want to be included . '' Watson also talked about the inspiring influence of her mother , Jacqueline , who was a `` single working mother and type one diabetic . '' `` She wanted me to be my own person and said a bit of rebellion was good , '' said Watson , adding : `` She was actually thrilled when I got my first detention ... I think I failed a Latin exam . '' Answering questions submitted via Facebook , Watson said the recent lack of female representation at the Academy Awards showed that the fight for gender equality was far from over . `` Why are women not directing their own stories ? '' she said . `` The human race is a bird -- and it needs both its wings to fly . And at the moment one of its wings is clipped , '' said Watson , paraphrasing famous American feminist , Gloria Steinem . When asked what things we can all do to affect change , the actress said it was n't necessarily about grand actions -- but small ones . `` It 's everyday , it 's individual , it 's on a case by case basis , '' she said . `` Whether it 's speaking up or trying to change the way someone else thinks about an issue . '' In the audience , a man wearing a Hogwarts jumper asked Watson whether women should be paid the same as men , when they are more likely to take maternity leave . She answered : `` I do n't think in the grand scheme of things [ maternity leave ] is going to hinder a woman being incredibly effective in her field . `` I think men should be equal partners in raising children . '' Those missing out on a place still got watch it live on Watson 's Facebook page . See the whole conversation in the videos below . Part 1 : . Part 2 : . Part 3 : . Part 4 : . To see Watson 's best moments as they happened see our live twitter feed @ CNNIwomen and join the conversation .
British actress Watson held a Facebook chat to mark International Women 's Day . The HeforShe campaigner calls for men to support women in their bid for equality .