#MeToo: Women’s Fight for Dignity

(Picture: www.hollywoodreporter.com)

A wave of raw activism has swept over women of the Western world, with the spotlight being held on the United States. Beginning in 2017, #MeToo has led to the empowerment of women across all spectrums of society, from women of colour to athletes, film stars and musicians, politicians and feminists. It is a powerful symbol to counter the abuse and spread of sexism in modern society, the cumbersome glass ceiling that suffocates women and the toxic environment power players hold against them.

#MeToo gained popularity ever since the Harvey Weinstein scandal in the wake of the Women’s March movement of the past year. A once prominent Hollywood film producer, decades of allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse towards Weinstein not only destroyed his career, but shone the limelight towards sexism in the entertainment world in general. A range of film and music stars that endured sexual misconduct include Jennifer Lawrence, Kesha, Lady Gaga, Angelina Jolie and Cara Delevingne.

Detractors of the movement claim that everyday women, especially those outside the developed world are left out. Despite the rise of the popular hashtag throughout the globe, women who have little access to the Internet and live in countries where institutionalised sexism is the norm have little to say in the matter. However, if prominent women have the courage and power to inspire others by being brave and divulging their struggles, women everywhere will feel emboldened to combat gender inequality in whatever endeavour they pursue. As Oprah said during 2018’s Golden Globes, “For too long, women have not been heard or believed if they dare speak the truth to the power of those men. But their time is up. Their time is up,”.