The #MeToo Movement is a campaign fighting for a timely cause in raising awareness about sexual harassment and sexual assault.
Even though it was first founded by activist Tarana Burke in 2006, #MeToo reemerged in October 2017, following the allegations pressed on Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, who reportedly harassed and assaulted many women, including some prominent personalities in the entertainment industry.
#METOO BROADENED ITS REACH
As soon as the issue surfaced, many people all over the world gained the courage to share their stories of surviving assaults and harassments in the workplace.
Most of the alleged harassers were men and in positions of power.
The movement was, at first, focused on victims in the workplace, but through time, it had a broader reach. Abuses outside of work have been raised as well.
Mainly, the movement became the key for survivors to gain back their power.
Speaking with Vox, the co-chair of the Women’s March, Carmen Perez, said, “The #MeToo movement is about survivors reclaiming our power. It is also a movement of accountability on violence against women and sexism.”
THE CURRENT SITUATION
It has been a year after the peak of the harassment issues. Many accused people of high-profile, like Weinstein, have chosen to step away from their jobs following the allegations.
Still, the future of the movement remains unknown. Was there an improvement after the events of last year? The answer isn’t clear.
Some companies pledged to address the issue, but making sure that they have made concrete changes to make their workers feel safe is still an unfinished task.
As for the victims, the aftermath of coming forward has never been easy. For lawyer Christine Blasey Ford — who claimed that Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh assaulted her while they were in high school — she said she still can’t come back to her home because of the endless death threats being sent to her.
Even so, many people, such as fellow survivors and allies, continue to send her their support and help her push through with her battle.
#METOO EXPLAINED
Burke started the movement over a decade ago after hearing reports about sexual violence from her co-workers. Speaking with Vox in 2017, she said the purpose was “to spread a message for survivors: You’re heard, you’re understood.”
The movement that was initially centered on sexual violence has now become something much bigger than that. It has become a voice for victims and allies alike.
Although its real impact to the world remains vague up to this day, one thing has been made clear, the movement is not yet over, and the fight has just begun.
Ai-Jen Poo, executive director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, expressed, “We prioritize the leadership and healing of survivors, especially the least visible, most vulnerable among us. And we are growing in our power.”
Source: AmoMama
