The #MeToo and Time’s Up movements have become powerful forces in the battle against sexual harassment, discrimination, and gender inequality. But what exactly is the difference between them? Is one more effective than the other? And why did they both emerge in such a short period of time? In this blog post, we will take an in-depth look at both movements and explore how their goals differ — along with their successes so far. By understanding more about Me Too and Time’s Up, we’ll be better positioned to join together for real change.
What is Me Too?
Me Too is a powerful movement that has gathered international attention in recent years. It was founded in 2006 by Tarana Burke to promote the rights of survivors of sexual violence, both female and male.
- Me Too seeks to end workplace harassment, combat sexual assault and provide a platform for victims to speak out without fear of reprisal or further humiliation.
- Through its various campaigns, Me Too has empowered countless individuals to reclaim their voices and take control of their futures through storytelling, legal remedies, targeted advocacy and systemic cultural change.
- Me Too’s impact on society is far-reaching – it has raised public awareness about issues of consent, respect, and safety while providing resources for those who have experienced trauma or abuse. Me Too is a bold movement that will continue to bring positive change around the world.
What is Time’s Up?
Time’s Up is a movement formed in 2018 to create safe work environments and expand career opportunities for women, particularly women of color.
- Time’s Up has championed change through the Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund, engaging legal teams to provide free legal support to victims of sexual assault or harassment in the workplace.
- Time’s Up has also addressed its larger mission through initiatives such as 50/50 by 2020, which aims to close the gender gap in hiring women across all industries while calling on companies to report their findings and make changes.
- Time’s Up also advocates for reform of laws used when workers experience sexual misconduct at work, helping individuals have safer workplaces everywhere.
Difference between Me Too and Time’s Up
Me Too and Time’s Up are two of the most notable movements in recent years, both of which focus on the fight against gender inequality, harassment, and injustice toward women.
- Me Too was created by Tarana Burke in 2006 primarily as a way to raise awareness about sexual abuse perpetrated against young women on color.
- In 2018, Me Too garnered global attention and sparked a much-needed conversation about the need for meaningful action that could bring about systemic change.
- Time’s Up is a more recent movement launched in 2018 with the goal of enacting legislation to protect women from insidious traits of workplace discrimination; it also works to ensure that victims can find justice outside the court system through avenues like unionization and collective bargaining.
- Me Too’s primary message is “empowerment through empathy,” while Time’s Up rewards those who take meaningful action to combat gendered injustice and encourages people to speak out against workplace inequality.
Both movements have been instrumental in pushing forward conversations around gender economic justice and how we all can be allies in effecting lasting change.
Conclusion
The #MeToo and #TimesUp movements are both about sexual harassment, but they have different goals. The goal of #MeToo is to raise awareness of the prevalence of sexual harassment and assault, while the goal of #TimesUp is to end it by addressing its root causes through legislation and institutional change.
