As women finally break their silence to name and shame sexual predators, the country is going through a combined catharsis right now. The last few weeks has seen several stand-up comics, film personalities, politicians and those from advertising and media either quit their senior positions or be removed or losing out on lucrative deals. A look back in time will show us how difficult it can be to dislodge powerful men from their proverbial thrones and the glue that keeps them put is a hazardous concoction made up of patriarchal norms, biases and a sense of entitlement that has been conferred by society for ages. The ongoing movement is uniquely encouraging because it shows us how this glue is wearing off, how even the most powerful men are being brought to book for their misdeeds.
Bollywood actress Sushmita Sen, who has championed women’s causes for decades now, however, believes that the #MeToo movement is just at its inception. “It’s just the beginning. We need to listen and believe. You have to understand the simple truth that when one person blames another, you may question it. But when 50 people blame the same person, there must be some truth to it. You should listen to people and give them a fair hearing; justice will prevail,” the actress says, adding, “Well done, women and men who are supporting the movement. It’s about time.”
Actor Saif Ali Khan seconds her and adds, “This is a solid cause. You have to have a secure environment at work. There are all kinds of people floating around so it is important to condemn such behaviour.”
Above all, this movement makes us believe that, finally, women are being heard and their fight for equality, respect and justice is being acknowledged. And so, when an influential man accused of sexual misconduct resigns or is asked to leave, it drives home the message that we, as a society, will not tolerate or condone such acts.
Swara Bhaskar believes that the movement is a big vindication to the courageous women who have stood up to claim their trauma and their stories after all these years. “It’s also a hopeful signal that we as a society (some parts at least) are moving towards a zero tolerance attitude to sexual harassment at the workplace.” Dia Mirza echoes this thought when she says, “This means that finally, actions have consequences. The #MeToo movement in India is a much needed, long awaited movement to weed out the muck in our society.”
