#MeToo

The #MeToo movement, originally created by the African-American activist Tarana Burke in 2006, aimed to empower women of colour who were victims of harassment and sexual violence, encouraging them to identify as survivors rather than victims. However, it was only in 2017, spurred by a tweet from the American actress Alyssa Milano urging women, like herself, who had experienced violence and/or sexual harassment to write “me too” in response to her post, that the movement went viral and became transnational. This catalyzed global accounts of harassment and sexual violence. The #MeToo movement, which garnered extensive media coverage, was instrumental in shaping the global discourse on sexual harassment, amplifying the voices of victims, and challenging cultural norms. The movement has also made its mark in Portugal with some high-profile cases, sparking discussions on sexual violence and harassment in various sectors, including politics, education, and the entertainment and media industry.