Was #MeToo really needed in INDIA?

India’s #MeToo movement has sparked a much-needed discussion on why survivors of rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and sexual misconduct at the workplace don’t report it and, even if they finally do so, why it takes them years to report it to the relevant authorities.

Today, I would like to share my opinion on the #MeToo movement. Before beginning to write about it, I would like to quote someone who hardly shaped his decisions looking at the males and females in humankind. A great visionary of this planet, Mahatma Gandhi once said: “hate the sin not the sinner”.  

The #Metoo movement took shape in India earlier this month after actress Tanushree Dutta accused co-star Nana Patekar of inappropriate behaviour while shooting for a film. Since then many individuals have been called out on social media over alleged sexual harassment. After that, a slew of controversies surrounding Vikas Bahl, Chetan Bhagat, Gursimran Khamba, Kailash Kher, Rajat Kapoor, Alok Nath and Sajid Khan have emerged.

Bollywood and it's outrage!

The Bollywood actor who helped trigger the #MeToo movement in India challenging sexual harassment and abuse sees it as part of her religious education after an experience 10 years ago she said effectively ended her career. “I feel God used me to start something which had to happen,” said Dutta.

Now, the movement against sexual harassment and assault has exploded in India's entertainment and news industries and reached the highest echelons of government. It comes in the wake of a series of landmark Supreme Court judgments, including the removal of an entry ban on women of menstruating age in a revered Hindu shrine.

My Opinion

What I believe about #metoo movement concisely is; it is an effective filtration tool in the society for unjust people if used properly by the victim and accepted wisely by residents. Albeit, there are many nuances to this campaign or the disposal of this hashtag; it is evident that it is rapidly persuading our country. Social media which is full of negativity and fake news can scarcely be relied upon for drawing conclusions. Moreover, I feel it empowers our women and was somewhere needed to uplift a weaker section of the society.  

Cases of #MeToo

With several cases of #MeToo surfacing against individuals on social media, companies are not just strengthening background verification of prospective recruits, but are also reopening cases to avoid any legal liabilities. This will mean greater scrutiny of the behaviour of potential hires, both senior and junior. Companies can be pulled up for inaction against employee misconduct as well.

The #MeToo movement cannot be resolved through the court of public opinion. There are people standing up for something. I would say more power to women who scream from the rooftop about something wrong done to them -- whether it is after 10 years or 20 or 50... It doesn’t make a difference. We cannot deny the right to individuals to say what they say. But the question is whether the quotes are in sync with the legal system, which is based on a certain understanding. Are they in sync with this so-called enlightened new view that we have? If disciplinary action is not taken, the cynicism that nothing happens would be reinforced.

What to do as a Society

What we as a society can do is, not to shape our thoughts and jump to conclusions and take actions based on allegations. We must not act before the law concludes. Once the truth surfaces; we as citizens can then choose to protect or defend the sides based on our moralities.

 I feel it is time to ask a “deeper question. During Durga Puja, we bow down to the deity which was created by this great story of male gods putting their best to create her so that she can kill the demon to save the world and heaven from the wrath of that demon. It is time to understand that we support the woman and let her retain her dignity or she will perish. The question is, ‘Do we really view women in the form of the goddess we worship in the temple’. Because in private life we tend to violate them.

It shouldn’t happen that the girls who have been really harassed and have been suffering for years should percolate in the layers of politics and drama. All their issues should not get dissolved just because there is too much happening,

No Means NO!

I finally am happy that women have a voice “finally thanks to social media”.