Emma Watson’s Shocker Donation to Fight Against Sexual Harassment

On Saturday, Feb 17, 2017, following the publication of a “Dear Sisters” open letter in The Guardian, British actress/activist, Emma Watson, announced her donation of a large sum to fight against sexual harassment in support of the recent Time’s Up movement. Her donation included a sum of $1.4 million to the Justice and Equality Fund. This organization stands for the promotion of safe environments while also helping to enforce policy changes.Watson spoke to British daily newspaper, The Guardian, on her feelings towards the movement. “It’s easy to dismiss harassment and abuse as being caused by ‘one or two… bad men,’ but the UK statistics point to a much bigger and more structural problem. The issue is systemic.”

The Actress also took her statements to Instagram encouraging people to donate. In her statement, she wrote “All of us are responsible for creating change, whatever industry you work in. Were asking everyone to help create a world we can be proud of-one that is safe, just and equal.” Watson went on to weigh in on the importance of spreading the message to others so that they too can act on it; concluded with the movement’s popular saying “#TIMESUP” for women who live in fear.

The movement follows the popular #METOO movement which encourages women everywhere to speak out about sexual abuse. Watson has posted more than once and frequently advocates on behalf of this matter and how important it is not only for people to donate, but to also simply spread the word. “I think that there’s just been this incredible break through on this, and women are talking to one another and were forming communities, and we feel so strong together.” So far, the Justice and Equality Fund has reached £1.5 million British pound of it’s £2 million goal.