Addressing #MeToo in Hong Kong

The Situation:

In 2017, the world began to act on a hashtag that normalised advocacy against sexual harassment and abuse. Whilst there was mass awareness, Hong Kong had no platform for discussion.

The Solution:

In collaboration with University of Hong Kong, Camel Assembly and Metta, {embrace} worldwide co-organised ‘#MeToo. Now What?’. Community service events, the gender–neutral series provided:

• A safe space to identify sexual harassment

• Discussions on its impact

• Responses as tools, and

• Solutions to end sexual harassment

Key takeaways for participants included:

• Defining the different categories of sexual harassment

• Using the #MeToo phenomenon to call out inappropriate behaviour

• Identifying that inappropriate means feeling uncomfortable at any point

• Highlighting that sexual harassment is not a woman’s issue, it is everyone’s issue, and

• Understanding to seek advice when you don’t know what to do or how to deal with uncomfortable situations.

Outcomes:

• Total number of people impacted 150 over three events.

• Provided learning, discussion on the topic and safe space for attendees to address questions and experiences.