David Beckham Speaks Out About Gender Inequality & Shares His Hopes for Daughter Harper
David Beckham is a proud dad of four, and he wants each of them to have anything they desire — regardless of their anatomy. The soccer legend gave a moving speech at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland where he told attendees he hopes his 13-year-old daughter Harper Beckham — who he shares with his wife Victoria Beckham — will have “the same opportunities” as her brothers Brooklyn, 25, Romeo, 22, and Cruz, 19.
“I’m lucky enough to be a father of three boys and one beautiful girl,” Beckham said while accepting the Crystal Award for his cultural impact and humanitarianism. “I want Harper to grow up in a world where being a girl doesn’t determine what you can do, where you can go, or who you can become.”
People reported that Beckham said, “girls need more than words.” As in, they need more than just his fancy speech. They need more than just catchy soundbites about gender inquality. They need more than the proverbial “thoughts and prayers.”
“[Girls need] opportunities, collective action, and investment,” he said. And we couldn’t agree more. Beckham’s words, while touching and inspiring, are useless if he and his powerful peers don’t take steps to make the world he dreams of for Harper a reality.
Earlier this month, Beckham and Harper had a sporty father-daughter date, and the proud dad couldn’t help but share some photos sitting courtside.
Followers all noticed the same thing: Even though Harper might have the same fashion sense as her mom, she looks a whole lot like her dad. “Harper is your mini me!” one person commented. Another wrote, “Harper is so like David.” We can definitely see it!
Over the summer, Beckham and Posh Spice got understandably emotional when their daughter officially became a teenager.
“Happy 13th Birthday to my beautiful little girl ????,” Beckham wrote on Instagram. “Daddy is so proud of you , you have grown up to be a kind, generous & a beautiful young lady with the most amazing heart & the most amazing smile that we all love so so much ???? always be the beautiful person that you are ???? Harper Seven your [sic] my world ????”
And now, with his humanitarian efforts and calls to action, he hopes to give her the world ????.
Before you go, check out these celebrities who showed off their families on the red carpet.