#MeToo: How This Movement is Finally Rising in India

How the #MeToo movement is sweeping into India

The #Metoo movement has swept into India, where more women are coming out more than ever about their sexual assault experiences. Tanushree Dutta, the recipient of Femina Miss India Universe in 2004, sparked the movement when she accused actor Nana Patekar of sexually harassing her on the sets of Horn ‘Ok’ Pleassss in 2008.

Dutta’s allegation against Patekar sparked discussion among other celebrities in the Bollywood Film Industry. She has gained the support of many actors and actresses such as Varun Dhawan, Sonam Kapoor, Kangana Raunat and Swara Bhaskar. Additionally, many other celebrities also gained support to narrate their sexual harassment experiences on social media.

In a recent interview with ETimes, actress Rashi Mal shared her opinion on the #MeToo movement, “I think it is about time the movement came to India. The first time around I did not see any names; although, it did highlight the magnitude and scale of the problem. But what is happening now will definitely help purge the system and make it safer for girls to work in. We have all been subjected to stuff like this in one way or another. It takes great courage to speak up and I greatly admire all those who are standing up against abuse and harassment.”

Furthermore, Indians gained inspiration from Dr. Christine Blasey Ford in America who testified against Judge Brett Kavanaugh, who sexually assaulted her in high school. Dr. Ford had the courage to narrate her assault experience and speak against her perpetrator, who went on to become one of the most powerful men in America.

Photo Credit: Melina Mara (Pool)/Getty Images

How Indian Corporations are taking action

Multiple women in journalism have posed allegations on male editors and reporters due to cases of rape and sexual assault.

Prashant Jha, an editor for The Hindustan Times lost his job due to a former reporter’s complaint where she accused him of sexual assault. Similarly, at least four women have accused KR Sreenivas of sending inappropriate messages, mentally torturing them, and touching them inappropriately. Initially, he was put on leave because of the ongoing investigation but then eventually resigned.

More and more companies are taking action to punish those who have sexually assaulted or harassed others. Due to the increase in awareness, Indian Institutions are working to establish a “no toleration” zone. Although there are laws preventing sexual harassment at work, those have not been enforced. The #MeToo movement is spreading awareness of this issue.

The traditional Indian patriarchal society is changing and more awareness is spreading. Women’s voices are being heard. Additionally, these discussions are sparking questions to gender equality and discrimination issues. Even though there is still a lot of work to spread this movement all over India, change is coming. And it’s happening fast.