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English: Past Issue: The #MeToo Movement

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What is the #MeToo Movement?

In 2006, Tarana Burke founded the me too. movement to help survivors of sexual violence, particularly young women of colour from low wealth communities, find pathways to healing. Using the idea of “empowerment through empathy,” the me too. movement was ultimately created to ensure survivors know they're not alone in their journey. Source: metoomvmt.org

In October 2017 actress Ashley Judd accused media mogul Harvey Weinstein of sexual harassment in a breaking story by The New York Times. Soon after, actress Alyssa Milano reignited "Me Too" with the tweet "If you've been sexually harassed or assaulted write 'me too' as a reply to this tweet," and it quickly turned into a movement.

Read more about the progression and key events in the movement in the following articles: #MeToo: A timeline of events (Chicago Tribute) and Timeline: #MeToo and how the sexual misconduct scandal unfolded (The Times).

Video: Q&A Special: #MeToo

From Hollywood to Australia #MeToo has seen women calling Times Up! on sexual harassment. Virginia Trioli hosts a special Q&A with Isabella Manfredi, Josh Bornstein, Janet Albrechtsen & Catharine Lumby.

Production Year: 2018

Duration: 1:01:55

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#MeToo and Street Harassment

#MeToo in Australia

#MeToo in Hospitality and Retail

#MeToo in the Film and Television Industry

#MeToo in the Music Industry

#MeToo in Sport

#MeToo in the Literature/Publishing Industry

What is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment is an unwelcome sexual advance, unwelcome request for sexual favours or other unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature which makes a person feel offended, humiliated or intimidated, where a reasonable person would anticipate that reaction in the circumstances.

Examples of sexually harassing behaviour include:

  • unwelcome touching;
  • staring or leering;
  • sexually explicit pictures or posters;
  • unwanted invitations to go out on dates;
  • requests for sex;
  • intrusive questions about a person’s private life or body;
  • unnecessary familiarity, such as deliberately brushing up against a person;
  • insults or taunts based on sex;
  • sexually explicit physical contact; and
  • sexually explicit emails or SMS text messages.

A working environment or workplace culture that is sexually permeated or hostile will also amount to unlawful sexual harassment. Some of the factors which may indicate a potentially hostile environment include the display of obscene or pornographic materials, general sexual banter, crude conversation or innuendo and offensive jokes.

The Sex Discrimination Act makes sexual harassment unlawful in many areas of public life, including in employment situations, educational institutions, the provision of goods, services and accommodation and the administration of Commonwealth laws or programs.

A person who sexually harasses is primarily responsible for the sexual harassment. However, in many cases, employers and others can be held responsible for acts of sexual harassment done by their employees or agents.

Source: Fact Sheet: Legal Definition of Sexual Harassment - Australian Human Rights Commission

Video: Oprah Winfrey's Speech at the 2018 Golden Globes

“For too long, women have not been heard or believed if they dared to speak their truth to the power of those men. But their time is up.”

Oprah Winfrey speaks after accepting a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2018 Golden Globes.

Duration: 9:08

Video: Halsey Performs "A Story Like Mine" At NYC Women's March in January 2018

Singer-songwriter Halsey performs a poem about her experience with sexual assault at New York Women's March.

Duration: 4:45

Further Reading on Feminism: Books available in the NCC