You’ve likely seen the #MeToo slogan across most social media and major news outlets over the past few years. The slogan, which was coined in 2006 by Tarana Burke to help survivors of sexual violence, has grown incredibly over the last decade to represent the anti-sexual harassment movement. The viral movement has brought to light the prevalence of sexual assault and harassment and has provided many women the support and courage to come forward with their own stories. The #MeToo movement has had an impact on lives and workplaces around the world.
The MeToo movement has shaken politics and the entertainment industry predominantly, with men being brought to the public eye to be held accountable for their actions, whether in the past or present. While there have been several movements to raise awareness for sexual violence throughout history, the MeToo movement has had profound and lasting impacts on individuals and survivors. After Tarana Burke first mentioned the slogan in 2006, actress Alyssa Milano sent out a tweet during the allegations against Harvey Weinstein. “If all the women who have been sexually harassed or assaulted wrote ‘me too’ as a status, we might give people a sense of the magnitude of the problem.” From here, the movement itself has grown as a way for women to share their stories and connect with others. It demonstrates solidarity and awareness and addresses an issue that society has previously turned its back to. Anyone can visit the MeToo website to access resources, read stories, and view statistics.
Now, the powerful movement is having an impact on workplaces in every industry. Several companies are requiring sexual harassment training and are updating their company-wide policies. Some workspaces are even being created to be centered around women specifically. ModernWell is one of those spaces. The collaborative workspace offers a safe area for women to get their work done outside of the office. It provides a safe oasis for women to network, schedule meetings, and listen to speakers. Private workspaces and ongoing enrichment classes offer an area where women are celebrated both professionally and personally. As the MeToo movement continues to have an impact on workplaces around the globe, the continued awareness will be vital to supporting this powerful message.