'Time's Up' Campaign: Actresses Eva Longoria, America Ferrera, Hundreds More Team Up To Eradicate Abuse Of Power

The year 2018 began empowered after important figures in the entertainment world brought to light last year cases of sexual harassment, violations and injustices that they have lived throughout the years by powerful film producers. The case of Harvey Weinstein -one of the most involved after putting actresses as Salma Hayek and Lupita Nyong'o in uncomfortable situations where, according to them, they were victims of constant harassment.

Now, a group of more than 300 women in Hollywood, including actresses, singers, screenwriters, and producers, have joined the initiative "Time's Up," where the only goal is to fight against sexual abuse and any kind of abuse against women, as well as guaranteeing a social equality.

The initiative was announced via The New York Times through a letter signed by all these women in which they appreciate all the support shown and ensure they are fully determined to end widespread sexual harassment in the entertainment industry and in all sectors.

Eva Longoria, America Ferrera, Reese Witherspoon, Kerry Washington, Emma Stone and Shonda Rhimes, are some of the signers of the letter that has also projected a fund to help legally women who have been harassed and harassed at their workplace.

“The struggle for women to break in, to rise up the ranks and to simply be heard and acknowledged in male-dominated workplaces must end; time’s up on this impenetrable monopoly,” the letter says.

As presented by the newspaper the initiative includes:

• — A legal defense fund, backed by $13 million in donations, to help less privileged women — like janitors, nurses and workers at farms, factories, restaurant, and hotels — protect themselves from sexual misconduct and the fallout from reporting it.
• — Legislation to penalize companies that tolerate persistent harassment, and to discourage the use of nondisclosure agreements to silence victims.
• — A drive to reach gender parity at studios and talent agencies that have already begun making headway.
• — And a request that women walking the red carpet at the Golden Globes speak out and raise awareness by wearing black.

The TIME’S UP Legal Defense Fund "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. The Fund will ultimately be housed at and administrated by the National Women’s Law Center, an established, national women’s rights legal organization. A network of lawyers and public relations professionals across the country will work with the Center’s Legal Network for Gender Equity to provide assistance to those ready to stand up. Access to prompt and comprehensive legal and communications help will mean empowerment for these individuals and long-term growth for our culture and communities as a whole."

"#TIMESUP my Dear Sisters, reSisters, perSisters! Stand with women across every industry in saying: #TIMESUP. The @TIMESUPNOW Legal Defense Fund provides subsidized legal support across industries to those who have experienced sexual harassment, assault, or abuse in the workplace. Join me! Read the letter, sign & donate," wrote America Ferrera inviting women to be part of the initiative.

“It’s very hard for us to speak righteously about the rest of anything if we haven’t cleaned our own house,” said Shonda Rhimes, the executive producer of the television series “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Scandal” and “How to Get Away With Murder.” “If this group of women can’t fight for a model for other women who don’t have as much power and privilege, then who can?” Rhimes continued according to New York Times.

According to the GoFundMe page, the maximum donation the organization can accept online is $50,000. So everyone who'd like to donate more than $50,000 or want to donate by check or wire transfer can make checks (minimum $5,000) payable to Direct Impact Fund with a memo of "TIME'S UP Legal Defense Fund" and mail to 855 Jefferson Ave, PO Box 1329, Redwood City, CA 94063.

Donations via wire transfers (minimum $5,000), you just have to contact GoFundMe for wire transfer steps at support@gofundme.com using "TIME'S UP Legal Defense Fund" as the exact email subject line.