Why #metoo should go beyond #

The not so unheard #metoo campaign has garnered support like no other social media movement, fighting against sexual harassment. The hashtag and the movement it later generated was triggered after Activist and Actress Alyssa Milano tweeted “If you’ve been sexually harassed or assaulted write ‘me too’ as a reply to this tweet” in the wake of allegations of sexual harassment and assault against American film producer Harvey Weinstein. The hashtag then went viral with millions of women sharing their stories of assault.

While the movement is to be highly appreciated for the momentum it has created in India, the impact it has had on the marginalized and even the middle-class communities of the society is a concern. One may argue that the lack of digital access no longer holds as an argument when we discuss the plight of women since the majority of the population has access to one or the other form of medium. However, digital media is a tool that is still used by at least the most of us as an extension of who we are and are hence careful in exposing the trivial issues such as the ones in the family and the close circle.
Even if it is voiced out by many, only some voices in our society and media command the privilege to be heard over the others.

Imagine a woman who is unable to win the trust and support of her people and is instead condemned for doing so? The disadvantage of gaining support from the population that still wants to protect the ‘dignity’ of a woman poses as a challenge for women still ruled by the Panchayaths and patriarchal systems. It is, therefore, necessary to build complementary relationships with the local and rural communities for the campaign to be a larger success.

Also, it is a matter of concern when the movement of this nature is restricted to only exposing the assault committed by famous and rich persons. The issue of harassment cannot be addressed if it only remains a celebrity movement. Hence calling this a ‘New Indian Feminism’ would be slanted.

For the movement to be successful in the long-term and have a large impact, it needs more than just a social media campaign. More and more organizations need to implement #metoo movement at their local and organizational levels and stand by the women who may want to pursue a legal action against a colleague at the workplace. It is also important for families and friends to support the survivors who speak up against a close kin. The movement, to see women from all walks of life speak up, should be adapted taking into consideration the social scenarios including language. Although the campaign has brought a shift from stigma and shame to empathy and solidarity for the survivors of sexual harassment, it is yet to prove itself as a road to bringing legal justice and even social justice unless women are supported to fight the harassment committed by their own uncles, fathers, brothers and anyone in their circle who may have abused them.

Nevertheless, the momentum and the support #metoo and social media have offered has to be maintained to fight an evil that still exists in silence; sexual harassment. As Tarana Burke, founder of the phrase and the movement Me Too, that was started in 2006 says, “ While the discussion surrounding Me Too has become polarizing”. She also points out the severity of sexual harassment and abuse in the workplace and beyond.