An article in TOI regarding the acquittal of Harvey Weinstein, possibly the most emblematic figure of sexual abuse outed by the #MeToo uprising seven years ago got me thinking about whether the #MeToo had lost momentum because nothing seems to have come out after a hundred women spoke out against this man. Several other celebrities/ perpetrators have been acquitted and have gone unpunished as well and the Women’s power flattered to deceive?

#MeToo was like a tsunami in 2018, as one after another women spoke about sexual assault in public, and found their voices. Women came out in huge numbers supporting each other as they spoke of their pain and degradation, hostility and denial by authorities. The movement was asking the world to believe women! It is estimated that around the world, one-third of women have been subjected to sexual violence and harassment and belittlement is pervasive. The #MeToo Movement led to several new bills and legal changes in many countries. However, justice is far from served in most of these cases.

In India too, there was a long list of celebrities who got hauled up like the then Union Minister M J Akbar, Nana Patekar, Alok Nath, Kailash Kher, Vikash Bahl, Sajid Khan, Anu Mallik and even the likes of Rajat Kapoor and Chetan Bhagat amongst many more. M J Akbar resigned as a Minister immediately. He put a defamation case against Priya Ramani’s sexual harassment charges but the Delhi High Court acquitted her. Alok Nath and Nana Patekar lost a lot of their reputation. Kailash Kher and Anu Malik after staying underground for a couple of years have resurfaced. Sajid Khan suspended his directorial ventures. For some like Chetan Bhagat, the alleged charges were not too big and hence he apologised to the victims and resurfaced after a short absence from the limelight.

Thanks to the #MeToo Movement, the perpetrators were named & shamed, called out, lost their reputation and perhaps financially too, suffered huge setbacks, they are/ were out from their TV shows/ movies, probably lost friends and the fact that they will always be looked at with suspicion, would always be watching behind their back as to who or when another sordid episode may come out! That is some punishment to start with.

Make no mistake, the sheen and aura have gone for these folks, it’s replaced with ‘bluster’ and a sense of resignation, some are even trying to find God!!!

It is rumoured that Tarun Tejpal (Tehelka fame) spent upwards of 80 crores to keep himself outside jail. Tejpal was charged with sexual harassment and rape of his employee in November 2013; later acquitted in 2021. The acquittal has been again challenged by the Goa bench! I would like to believe for people like that daily living in disgrace is a huge punishment in itself!

#MeToo definitely has succeeded in bringing down the sense of entitlement amongst people in power or in high places. The feeling that ‘I can get away with anything or the law doesn’t apply to me’ has been replaced with a sense of discretion. For an average man losing face or livelihood is bad enough. Advent of Social Media has helped women raise questions regarding ‘male entitlement’ and encouraged them in their own quest for justice and willingness to fight it out.

In the Corporate world, I keep hearing that the hiring of women at the mid to senior levels, especially in Sales and entertainment-oriented jobs that require uncertain hours, travel etc. are facing a pushback like always. Organisations want to play safe from the repercussions! Therefore, this is also a time for us women to introspect, whilst we cannot be confined to the safety of our homes, we ought to decide for our own selves and the future generations why we have to fight for ‘equity’(the idea of fairness for all – giving everyone a chance to thrive)! How we carry ourselves today and for what we raise our voices will define the rules that next-gen women live by!

The wheels of justice turn slowly but they turn for sure! So, let’s not lose hope and keep creating awareness regarding a fairer and more equitable world!

(This article first appeared on the WiP page on 4th May, 2024. I am the founder of WiP which is a cohort of like minded talented women who help each other grow in a fun filled, judgement free manner!)