Janet Jackson delivers powerful 'Me Too' speech at MTV EMAs: 'I stand with you. You are my sisters''

The 52-year-old singer won this year's Global Icon award

Janet Jackson called for an end to gender inequality during a powerful speech at the MTV EMAs last night.

As she collected her award for Global Icon, the 52-year-old artist chose not to reflect on her remarkable career, instead using her platform to stand up for women around the world.

She said: “I feel moved to speak for women’s voices who have been stifled.

“I am one of those women, women who have been gagged, both literally and emotionally, women who have been abused, women who have been intimidated, women who have lived in fear.

“I stand with you. You are my sisters.”

As the crowd erupted into cheers, Jackson continued by saying she hoped “a new world” was emerging in which gender inequality would no longer be tolerated.

"Women, our voices will be heard, we will be heard,” she continued.

“When we speak out for justice, speak out for the spirit. Speak out for spirit that crosses all borders, recognises the dignity of all people and affirms the beauty of all faiths.

“Speak out for acts of true charity, small and large, speak out for an all-embracing love because its love that will heal our wounds, to come to one another’s aid, so let’s lift our voices, let’s start today and let the ever amazing love of god lead the way."

Earlier in the night, Janet Jackson performed a medley of her biggest hits (Getty) (AFP/Getty Images)

She concluded her speech by thanking god and her fans before dedicating the award to her one-year-old son, Eissa.

Fans quickly reacted to the rousing speech on social media, with many praising the singer for her inspirational words.

“A voice for the powerless” one person commented.

Another added: “A heartfelt, powerful & inspiring speech from @JanetJackson receiving the MTV Global Icon Award tonight.”

A third person wrote: “When you are in icon who is genuine and seeks change! Janet Jackson took the time to speak for those who don’t have a voice!”

Earlier in the evening, Jackson performed a medley of her biggest hits, including old songs like “All for You” and new ones like “Made for Now”, which involved non-stop, fast-paced dance moves.

This isn’t the first time the singer has spoken out about her stance on the #MeToo movement at an awards ceremony.

At the Billboard awards earlier this year, Jackson was the first black woman to receive the Icon prize and chose to use her acceptance speech to address the movement.

“I believe that, for all of our challenges, we live at a glorious moment in history," she said.

”At long last, women have made it clear that we will no longer be controlled, manipulated, or abused.

“I stand with those women and with those men equally outraged by discrimination, who support us in heart and mind."