What time is it? Time for change.

The times up for sexual assault being swept under the rug and inequality for women.

The Time’s Up is a new movement advocating for women and sexual assault survivors. Celebrities showed their support for the movement at the Golden Globes this past weekend. There are various ways to show your support for the movement.

Time’s Up is an organization aimed increasing awareness of sexual assault and inequality around the world.The movement was inspired by #MeToo which was circulating the internet for months prior. The group was created early in 2018 with a document signed by nearly 300 women in the entertainment business. Notable supporters and signers include Reese Witherspoon, Tracee Ellis Ross and Viola Davis.

The groups mission statement reads “TIME’S UP is a unified call for change from women in entertainment for women everywhere. From movie sets to farm fields to boardrooms alike. We envision nationwide leadership that reflects the world in which we live.” Time’s Up “Addresses the systemic inequality and injustice in the workplace that have kept underrepresented groups from reaching their full potential,” according to the organization’s website. The group partners with advocacy groups and provides legal assistance for male and female victims of sexual assault alike to prosecute their aggressor. The group wants to stand in solidarity with these victims and help support them in whatever way they need.

Approximately 1 in 3 women have been sexually harassed at the workplace. 71 percent of those women did not report it according to a Cosmopolitan survey of 2,235 full and part time employees conducted in 2015. Rape culture is a possible contributing factor for women not to report this behavior. “Rape Culture is an environment in which rape is prevalent and in which sexual violence against women is normalized and excused in the media and popular culture. Rape culture is often perpetuated through the use of misogynistic language, the objectification of women’s bodies, and the glamorization of sexual violence, thereby creating a society that disregards women’s rights and safety.” according to Marshall University Women’s Center. Victim blaming and shaming is a key part of rape culture. Statements like “They were asking for it” and implying the victims clothing and/or level of intoxication are the reason why a victim was assaulted are ideals often perpetuated by rape culture. Women are often not taken seriously when they try to report their aggressor.

Rape culture can also apply to male victims as well. There is a stigma often portrayed around male rape victims. Some people believe that male cannot get raped by a woman or that if they do that he “wanted it”. This culture makes it hard for victims to come out and share their stories. Males are not taken seriously when they try to report their assault even more so than women in some cases.

The group also advocates for equal pay for women. According to the Economic Policy Institute White non-Hispanic women are paid 81 cents on the dollar compared to white non-Hispanic men. Asian women are only paid 88 cents on the dollar. Black and Hispanic women are only paid 65 cents and 59 cents on the white male dollar, respectively. The Time’s up movement is also working to improve the leadership of women in the workplace. Women only account for 1 in 5 of C-suite leaders, or 1 in 30 for women of color according to Leanin.org and McKinsey & company, “Women in the Workplace,” 2017.

On Sunday, Jan.7 men and women wore black to the 75 annual Golden Globes Awards in support of the Time’s Up movement. These celebrities used their attire as a political statement and a way to stand in solidarity with the men and women who have experienced sexual assault. This was the first award since over 80 women spoke out against producer Harvey Weinstein.

While wearing black was a common way to get involved, Oprah Winfrey was the one who ultimately stole the show with her speech in support of Time’s Up. The actress received the Cecil B. De Mille for her “outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment,” Winfrey was the first African American woman to win this award. She expressed her support and gratitude for women have experienced sexual assault over the years. Perhaps the highlight of her speech was her honoring of Reecy Taylor, an African American woman who was abducted and sexually assaulted by six white males in 1944. The case was investigated by none other than Rosa Parks. Taylor unfortunately passed away late last year. Winfrey ended her speech inspiring a standing ovation with the following quotation “So I want all the girls watching here, now, to know that a new day is on the horizon! And when that new day finally dawns, it will be because of a lot of magnificent women, many of whom are right here in this room tonight, and some pretty phenomenal men, fighting hard to make sure that they become the leaders who take us to the time when nobody ever has to say ‘Me too’ again,” said Winfrey.

There are many ways that you can show your support to the Time’s Up movement. It is important that if someone has come to you with their story that you don’t brush it off. It is a big deal and make sure that they know that. Don’t let them widdle down their feelings. If you have witnessed or experienced sexual harassment don’t let it continue, report it. You can also donate the the Time’s Up legal fund for sexual assault victims. You can visit timesupnow.com for more information on what you can do to help.

If you or anyone you know has been sexually assaulted contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline, 1-800-656-4673.