Emma Watson delivers a speech at the UN women launch of HeForShe arts week on International Women’s Day in New York City. [Photo: sina.com]

'Harry Potter' star Emma Watson addressed gender equality to mark International Women's Day in New York City.

The 25-year-old brought some magic to the celebrations, as she joined the First Lady of New York City to turn the Empire State Building pink in honor of the important day.

Taking a year off from acting, Emma says she wants to focus more on supporting women.

"Study after study shows us that logic and the value of gender equality in commerce, politics, peace building. The list is infinite but we have to do more than help people see the logic with their minds. It's also about making them feel it in their bones, viscerally, emotionally. This is what changes us. It's what makes us act."

Emma Watson is now serving as the UN Women Global Goodwill Ambassador.

She also spotlights the power of the arts in supporting social change.

"You can't un-watch great films. You can't un-read incredible books. You can't un-see ground-breaking art. They change you forever and that's why great movements of social and human progress have always been illumated by great art. Social progress can inspire art and so the arts can inspire social progress. HeForShe Arts week is the next page in that story."

The British star is set to join the HeForShe Arts Week aimed at initiating a dialogue about gender equality.

Arts venues around New York City, including ballets, Broadway theaters, museums, and galleries, are taking part in the campaign to highlight the idea that men and boys can become agents of change in reaching gender equality goals.