Time’s Up at the Golden Globes

This past Sunday, the red carpet of the Golden Globes experienced a fashion blackout, as several actresses took a stand against sexual harassment of women in the film industry and workplace. Uniting in a campaign titled Time’s Up these women protested “the systemic inequality and injustice in the workplace that have kept underrepresented groups from reaching their full potential.” This widely publicized event greatly contributed to the growing feminist movements nationally and worldwide.

Across social media platforms, the hashtag #WhyWeWearBlack is currently trending, as leaders like activist and actress Emma Watson encourage all to wear black and post pictures to raise awareness. “United across industries and communities, we believe all women and people deserve to live with safety and dignity,” wrote Watson on her Time’s Up Instagram posts.

The glamorous black dresses at the Golden Globes were only the spark of an impactful change.

Time’s Up is also a legal defense fund which “will provide subsidized legal support to women and men who have experienced sexual harassment, assault, or abuse in the workplace and while in pursuit of their careers.” So far, the fund, which will be administered by the National Women’s Law Center, has raised over 16 million dollars, all of which will be used to bring equality for all.

To give women a voice, Time’s Up also provides a hotline for those who have experienced sexual assault and is working to connect victims of sexual harassment with legal action.

While this movement is taking storm, not all women think wearing black is the right approach. Walking the red carpet in a floral gown of blue, pink and purple fabric, model Barbara Meier explained her decision on her Instagram page. She believes it’s wrong “to let people take away our joy of showing our personality through fashion.” In fact, many women like Meier agree that freedom of expression goes hand in hand with the ever-growing feminist movement. “We should not have to wear black to be taken serious,” Meier concluded. “Women should shine, be colorful and sparkle. Just like it is our nature. In my opinion this symbolizes our freedom and our new strength.”

One in three women have been sexually harassed at work, according to a 2015 survey by Cosmopolitan. Time’s Up is a major leap in the rising feminist movement, which leaders hope will provide women security and a voice.