Some of the biggest names in Hollywood are teaming up to fight and end sexual harassment once and for all by launching the Time’s Up campaign. More than 300 female actors, directors, and writers joined forces to create an initiative to support and defend women across the country who experience or report sexual misconduct.
Reese Witherspoon, Shonda Rhimes, Eva Longoria, and America Ferrera, are just some of the faces behind the movement, which includes a $13 million defense fund, legalization that penalizes companies that tolerate frequent harassment, and a call for women to wear black at the 2018 Golden Globes.
“It’s very hard for us to speak righteously about the rest of anything if we haven’t cleaned our own house,” Shonda told The New York Times. “If this group of women can’t fight for a model for other women who don’t have as much power and privilege, then who can?” Other big-name celebs such as Jennifer Garner, Justin Timberlake, and Rosario Dawson showed their support on social media.
So, what exactly is the goal of the Time’s Up campaign?
In an open letter published by the NYT titled, “Dear Sisters,” the group, which was launched shortly after the Harvey Weinstein scandal broke, writes, “The struggle for women to break in, to rise up the ranks and to simply be heard and acknowledged in male-dominated workplaces must end; time’s up on this impenetrable monopoly.” Leaderless, it is an organization run by volunteers and made up of smaller groups with distinct goals. For example, there is 50/50by2020, which aims to have gender parity in leadership tiers by 2020, and the Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund, which will connect female victims to lawyers.
How can you get involved?
You can donate to the Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund, which is still a couple million dollars away from its goal of $15 million. The group also asks that you show your support through simple actions such as believing those who have been harassed and, if you are part of a company, making sure the leadership reflects the market it serves. We don’t know about you, but we think this is the perfect way to start 2018!
And don’t forget, if you need support, The National Sexual Assault Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-656-4673. You will be connected with a trained staff member in your area. Or visit RAINN.org to chat online one-on-one with a support specialist at any time.
