#MeToo campaign also gathers momentum in India

It is good that #MeToo campaign is also gathering momentum in India with the revelation about sexual harassment by one woman or the other on daily basis. Casting couch had already been there in Bollywood. Here also under #MeToo campaign, Bollywood actress Tanushree Dutta has alleged that veteran actor Nana Patekar had sexually harassed her. After her recounting of alleged sexual harassment by Nana Patekar, some other Bollywood actresses have also come forward with the story of her sexual harassment by the actors. Woman and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi has rightly said that action should be initiated against all those who are accused of harassing the woman sexually. A news editor of a prestigious English Newspaper has reportedly resigned from his post over the charges of sexual harassment. #MeToo campaign launched by the women is a courageous act. It reflects that women are no longer subservient to the men. They have also gathered the courage to raise voice against any kind of harassment. It also shows that the time is changing very fast with growing awareness among all sections of the people. Ten years back, the woman did not have the courage to raise her voice against the highhandedness by the man. #MeToo has infused courage and confidence among women all over the world. The incident of casting couch or sexual harassment has been found on large scale in the entertainment industry. Two to three cases of sexual harassment under #MeToo campaign have come to light. The field of journalism is also not free of the incident of sexual abuse. All men must realize now that women can no longer be intimidated to keep silence over their acts of molestation and sexual abuse against them. Rape and other kinds of sexual abuses must be kept under the category of heinous crime. The govt. must support #MeToo to boost and encourage women to raise voice against all kinds of injustices against them. #MeToo campaign helps the women empower themselves in the society. It is because of this campaign that those who are involved in sexual abuse against the women would always be in fear that their acts of misdeed could come any time to light. The #MeToo storm has gathered momentum with more women recounting their experiences of sexual harassment in the entertainment and media industry; leading to actor Rajat Kapoor apologizing for his alleged misconduct and AIB facing uncertainty after two members distanced themselves from the comedy group under a cloud. The Indian Women’s Press Corps (IWPC) has also rightly called upon media houses to set up institutional mechanisms for complaints of sexual harassment. It is true that many of the complaints have gone unheard despite being brought to the notice of the authorities concerned. It is disturbing and a matter of grave concern. More and more victim women must come forward and expose the victimizer. # MeToo campaign was born amidst Tarana Burke narration of sexual abuse that left her speechless. It happened in 1997.