The Times Up Movement

By Stefanie Sadocha 

​     The Times Up movement is being led and supported by women who are role models to many. This group of powerful women includes celebrities such as Katy Perry, Katherine Langford and Emma Stone. Similar to the “Me Too” Movement, the Times Up Movement spreads awareness against sexual harassment. The Me Too Movement gained momentum when victims on social media posted the hashtag #MeToo to let other victims know they are not alone.  The Times Up Movement became official on January 1, 2018. Over 300 celebrities wrote a letter to the victims of sexual harassment and published it in The New York Times. 

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     The Times Up movement supports the idea that “The clock has run out on sexual assault, harassment and inequality in the workplace. It's time to do something about it.” Women all across the world have been adding their names to the letter and donating to the cause. According to the Time's Up Official Website, one in three women has been sexually harassed at her job, but only thirty-one percent of women reported it. The movement’s goals are to end sexual harassment and provide a voice to the voiceless. The women who are taking a stand want this letter to go further than Hollywood because sexual harassment happens everywhere.
The Times Up Movement helps fellow victims in various ways. The website has a donation fund, which raises money for the cause. With each donation, the donor’s name is signed to the letter. The Times Up Movement also has a legal defense fund that is founded by the National Women’s Law Center. The fund will provide lawyers and legal assistance to victims in need.
     Ninth grader Caitlin Fuschetto shares her thoughts on the movement. “I love how women are standing up for themselves and what they believe in.” 
Although the movement has only been official for a short time, its impact was evident at the 2018 Golden Globe Awards Ceremony. Actors and actresses showed their support for the cause by wearing black to the prestigious ceremony.
     Ninth grader John Tiberia says, “I support the movement because sexual harassment is clearly an important conversation as a nation that we need to be aware of.”
     Although the Times Up Movement was originally concerning sexual harassment, it is also fighting for gender rights and equality. According to the Times Up Movement’s official website, white women are paid 81 cents on the dollar in comparison to white males. Asian women are paid only 88 cents, black women only 65 cents and Hispanic women only 59 cents.
     Even at E!, the entertainment channel that covers the Golden Globes, men and women do not receive equal pay. Jason Kennedy, a host on E! News makes almost double the salary of his co-host, Catt Sandler. Debra Messing, star of the critically acclaimed show “Will & Grace,” revealed her disapproval of the network’s unequal treatment during a live E! News interview on the red carpet at the Golden Globes.
     The Times Up Movement is a positive change for women across the country. The movement is aiding victims and spreading the message that sexual harassment will no longer be tolerated among our communities.