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13 Feb 2026·Source: The Indian Express
4 min
Social IssuesEDITORIAL

MeToo Movement: Lingering Silence and the Ongoing Fight for Justice

The article reflects on the MeToo movement and its impact on society.

Editorial Analysis

The author reflects on the current state of the MeToo movement, noting a return to silence after an initial period of empowerment for survivors, and emphasizes the ongoing challenges in seeking justice and support.

Main Arguments:

  1. Initial empowerment of survivors to share their stories.
  2. Increased awareness and accountability following the movement's rise.
  3. Gradual return to silence and challenges faced by survivors.
  4. Fear of retaliation and re-victimization as factors contributing to the silence.
  5. Need for continued efforts to support survivors and ensure justice.

Conclusion

The article concludes by highlighting the need for continued efforts to support survivors and ensure justice, suggesting that the fight for accountability and change is far from over.

Policy Implications

The article implies the need for policy changes to better protect and support survivors of sexual harassment and assault, including legal reforms and improved support systems.

The article reflects on the impact of the MeToo movement, several years after it gained prominence. It discusses how the movement initially empowered survivors of sexual harassment and assault to come forward and share their stories, leading to increased awareness and accountability. However, the author notes that a sense of silence has gradually returned, with many survivors facing challenges in seeking justice and support.

The article explores the reasons behind this silence, including fear of retaliation, social stigma, and the complexities of legal processes. It also highlights the ongoing efforts of activists and organizations to continue the fight against sexual harassment and create safer and more equitable environments for all.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper 2: Social Justice - Issues related to women and vulnerable sections

2.

GS Paper 1: Social Issues - Role of women and women's organization

3.

Connects to fundamental rights and directive principles of state policy

Visual Insights

MeToo Movement: A Timeline of Impact and Lingering Silence

This timeline highlights key events related to the MeToo movement, from its initial rise to the present day, focusing on the shift from empowerment to a sense of silence and the ongoing fight for justice.

The MeToo movement initially brought significant attention to the issue of sexual harassment, but the return of silence underscores the persistent challenges in achieving gender justice.

  • 2017MeToo movement gains prominence globally, empowering survivors to share their stories.
  • 2018Increased awareness and accountability for sexual harassment and assault.
  • 2019Many survivors face challenges in seeking justice and support due to fear of retaliation and social stigma.
  • 2020Legal processes remain complex, hindering the pursuit of justice for survivors.
  • 2021Activist and organizations continue efforts to combat sexual harassment and create safer environments.
  • 2026Lingering silence returns, highlighting the ongoing need for systemic change and support for survivors.
More Information

Background

The #MeToo movement, a global phenomenon, gained significant momentum in 2017, but its roots trace back much further. It is important to understand the historical context of sexual harassment and the legal frameworks designed to address it. The movement's resurgence was largely driven by social media, providing a platform for survivors to share their experiences and break the silence surrounding sexual misconduct. Over time, various legal and institutional mechanisms have been developed to combat sexual harassment. In India, the Vishakha Guidelines, established by the Supreme Court in 1997, were a landmark step in addressing workplace harassment. These guidelines laid the foundation for the subsequent enactment of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. This act aimed to provide a comprehensive framework for preventing and addressing sexual harassment in the workplace. The legal framework in India includes constitutional provisions that guarantee equality and dignity, which are relevant to addressing sexual harassment. Article 14 ensures equality before the law, while Article 21 protects the right to life and personal liberty, which includes the right to a safe and dignified work environment. These constitutional safeguards provide a basis for challenging discriminatory practices and ensuring justice for survivors of sexual harassment. Internationally, various conventions and treaties address gender-based violence and discrimination. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), adopted by the United Nations in 1979, is a key instrument in promoting gender equality and combating discrimination against women, including sexual harassment. Many countries have aligned their national laws and policies with CEDAW to fulfill their international obligations.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there has been a growing focus on creating safer and more inclusive workplaces. Many organizations have implemented stricter policies and training programs to prevent sexual harassment and promote a culture of respect. The emphasis is on proactive measures rather than reactive responses. Despite increased awareness, challenges persist in ensuring accountability and justice for survivors. The fear of retaliation, social stigma, and the complexities of legal processes often deter survivors from reporting incidents. There are ongoing debates about the effectiveness of existing laws and the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms. Institutions like the National Commission for Women (NCW) play a crucial role in addressing complaints and advocating for policy changes. The future outlook involves continued efforts to dismantle systemic barriers and create a more equitable society. This includes promoting gender equality in education, employment, and leadership positions. Technology and social media continue to play a significant role in raising awareness and amplifying the voices of survivors. The goal is to foster a culture of zero tolerance for sexual harassment and ensure that all individuals have access to justice and support. However, the lingering silence mentioned in the article highlights the need for sustained efforts. It requires a multi-faceted approach involving legal reforms, awareness campaigns, and cultural shifts. Addressing the root causes of gender inequality and empowering women are essential steps in creating a society where sexual harassment is no longer tolerated.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the MeToo movement and why is it important in the context of social issues?

The MeToo movement is a global movement against sexual harassment and assault. It is important because it brought awareness to the prevalence of sexual misconduct, empowered survivors to share their stories, and pushed for greater accountability for perpetrators. It also highlights the need for safer and more equitable environments.

2. What are some of the challenges that survivors of sexual harassment face, as highlighted in the article?

The article mentions that survivors face challenges such as fear of retaliation, social stigma, and complexities of legal processes. These factors contribute to the 'lingering silence' surrounding the issue, even after the initial momentum of the MeToo movement.

3. What proactive measures are organizations taking to prevent sexual harassment, according to the article?

Organizations are implementing stricter policies and training programs to prevent sexual harassment and promote a culture of respect. The emphasis is on proactive measures rather than reactive responses.

4. How does the MeToo movement relate to the concept of Gender Justice?

The MeToo movement is directly related to gender justice as it seeks to address power imbalances and systemic inequalities that enable sexual harassment and assault. It advocates for a society where individuals are treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their gender.

5. What are the ongoing efforts to combat sexual harassment, as mentioned in the article?

The article highlights the ongoing efforts of activists and organizations to continue the fight against sexual harassment and create safer and more equitable environments for all.

6. What reforms are needed to ensure justice for survivors of sexual harassment in the long term?

While the article does not explicitly state specific reforms, based on the context, reforms could include strengthening legal frameworks, addressing social stigma, improving reporting mechanisms, and ensuring effective implementation of policies against sexual harassment. Creating a more supportive environment for survivors is also crucial.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013: 1. The Act mandates the constitution of an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in every workplace with ten or more employees. 2. The Act provides for a conciliation process before initiating a formal inquiry, if requested by the aggrieved woman. 3. The District Officer is empowered to monitor the implementation of the Act in the district. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: D

All the statements are correct regarding the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. Statement 1 is correct as the Act mandates an ICC for workplaces with 10+ employees. Statement 2 is correct as conciliation is an option. Statement 3 is correct as the District Officer monitors implementation. The Act aims to provide a safe and secure working environment for women.

2. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the Vishakha Guidelines?

  • A.They were issued by the Supreme Court of India in 1997.
  • B.They provide a set of guidelines to prevent sexual harassment of women at the workplace.
  • C.They were replaced by the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
  • D.They mandate the establishment of a complaints mechanism in all private companies, irrespective of the number of employees.
Show Answer

Answer: D

Option D is NOT correct. The Vishakha Guidelines did not specify a minimum number of employees for mandating a complaints mechanism. The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, which replaced the Vishakha Guidelines, specifies that an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) is required in workplaces with 10 or more employees. The other options are correct.

Source Articles

Derek O’Brien writes | Years after MeToo, a silence, broken briefly, can be heard again | The Indian Express

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Nana Patekar breaks his silence on #MeToo allegations by Tanushree Dutta: ‘Mujhe nahin gussa aaya’ | Bollywood News - The Indian Express

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