One of the most powerful moments from Glamour‘s Women of the Year Awards undoubtedly came from Jodi Cantor and Megan Twohey, the New York Times journalists who, six weeks ago, broke a story that can only be described as world-changing: The decades of sexual harassment and abuse by Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. Since, their story has furiously opened floodgates beyond Hollywood, and hundreds of powerful men across several industries are starting to be held accountable for their actions.
“When we stood with our bosses in the investigative unit of the Times and pushed the “publish” button, we had no idea what would happen: the women who spoke to us feared criticism and retaliation,” said Twohey on Glamour‘s stage, adding that when she’d previously documented allegations of sexual misconduct by Donald Trump, he snapped back with personal attacks and litigation threats. “Instead, every day of the last six weeks has brought new stories as women have come forward with accusations against abusers in every field,” she said. “Female farmworkers, restaurant workers, and athletes have shared their stories. To date, the hashtag #MeToo has been Tweeted over 2.3 million times in 85 countries.”
From there, four women took the stage—attorney and academic Anita Hill, gold-medal gymnast Aly Raisman, New York City police officer Ann Cardenas, and model and activist Cameron Russell—to share their own #MeToo moments. Here are their stories.
Anita Hill: In 1991 I testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee that Clarence Thomas, who had repeatedly harassed me when he was my boss, was unsuitable to sit on the U.S. Supreme Court.
The outcome of my testimony was not what I’d hoped, but in no way was it the final word. In the five years after I testified, sexual harassment complaints filed with the EEOC more than doubled. Legislation against harassment slowly but surely started to pass. And I saw that we had a chance to shift this narrative.
Ann Cardenas: A quarter of a century later, in 2016, I settled a sexual harassment lawsuit against my supervisor, who pinned me down while I was eating, called me crude names and sent me lewd photos.
I was terrified to speak up—afraid of losing my job, or being physically harmed. But I got up my courage and did it. I wasn’t going to let this guy keep me from doing the job I love.
Cameron Russell: Last month a friend and fellow model sent me her story of being sexual abused on set. She asked me to share her experience anonymously on Instagram. In less than 48 hours hundreds of individuals, inspired by her act of bravery, came forward too.
For too long, sexual harassment has been a norm in our profession. If we complain, the response is, “Well, that’s part of the job.” But our jobs should NOT include abuse.
Aly Raisman: Most people know me as a gymnast, but I am also a survivor: I am among a huge number of young gymnasts abused by U.S. Olympic and USA Gymnastics team doctor, Larry Nassar. This man held a position of influence and power in the sport for more than 20 years, and the extent of the harm he caused is beyond comprehension. More than 130 young women have filed lawsuits alleging abuse by Nassar, and we may never know how many others may be suffering in silence.
I stand here for all of them. I am beyond disgusted that a decorated Olympic and USA Gymnastics doctor was able to prey upon so many over such a long period of time; and until we fully understand the flaws in the system that allowed this to happen in the first place—and enabled it to continue for decades—we can’t be confident it won’t happen again. We need more than optimistic assurances; we need answers. We need to take a hard, honest look at the sport’s culture, governance, and leadership, so we can understand the problem, and come up with solutions that will make the sport safer for the next generations. I am determined to work towards real and meaningful change.
Hill: After years of not trusting our own inner voices we need to say this out loud: Women are entitled to work, and girls are entitled go to school and compete like Aly does, in places free of sexual harassment.
Cardenas: This is not a fashion or a Hollywood problem; this is a power problem that exists in every profession, whether you’re a famous name, or a cop like me.
Russell: After hearing all these stories it would be easy to believe that power is a boss in a back room. But his power isn’t the kind that can heal, or love, or make the world more just and free.
Power looks like the thousands of individuals, who, inspired by one another’s bravery, are coming forward with their stories. Like Anita, Anna, and Aly, we are challenging the status quo — how we work, how we treat each other, and what we accept.
Raisman: Even if you’re not a survivor of any kind of abuse, it’s still important to show concern and compassion. We are all in this together. Sharing our stories can make it easier to talk about such an uncomfortable subject, which makes it harder for monsters to take advantage. If this is something you have experienced and want to take this time to stand up, we invite you to join us NOW.
Cardenas: If it’s happened to your co-worker, friend, girlfriend, sister, mother, daughter, son, anyone you care about…we ask you to stand with us now.
Hill: If you’re willing to commit making things better where you work or go to school, no longer looking the other way, but actively calling and pushing for change—then please, we ask you to stand with us now.
Russell: Look around you! Thousands of people are here, ready to unite in this moment. We are the majority. We have the power to make a more livable world. And to those who continue to speak out, we hear you.
Hill: For committing to a more equitable and just world for everyone, thank you.
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