Time's Up Day

Time's Up Day emerged from the seismic cultural shift sparked by the #MeToo movement in late 2017. The official founding of the Time's Up organization on January 1, 2018, by a coalition of Hollywood celebrities, activists, and lawyers, set the stage for an annual day of solidarity and action. September 17th was chosen as the observance date to commemorate the first major wave of workplace walkouts and public demonstrations that reshaped the conversation around sexual harassment.

The Foundational Catalyst

In the wake of numerous allegations against powerful figures, a group of over 300 women—including actresses, writers, and directors—signed an open letter published in The New York Times on January 1, 2018. This letter announced the formation of the Time's Up initiative, which aimed to provide legal defense funds for victims of workplace sexual harassment, particularly those in low-wage industries. The movement quickly expanded beyond Hollywood to encompass all industries.

The Legislative/Official Adoption

While Time's Up Day itself is not a federal holiday, it has been officially recognized by numerous cities and organizations. In 2019, the states of California and New York issued proclamations supporting the day. Many companies have adopted internal policies to observe September 17th with training sessions, town halls, and pledges to improve workplace equality. The movement's legal arm has also advocated for stronger state and federal laws, such as the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Harassment Act of 2019.

Modern Global Legacy

Today, Time's Up Day is observed in over 40 countries. The day has evolved from its original focus on sexual harassment to encompass broader themes of gender equity, pay parity, and intersectional justice. Annual events include:

• Global Teleconferences: Livestreamed discussions with leaders and survivors.
• Workplace Walkouts: Symbolic gatherings at noon local time.
• Fundraising Campaigns: Supporting the Time's Up Legal Defense Fund.

The movement continues to fuel legislative victories, corporate policy changes, and a sustained cultural shift toward accountability.

Time's Up Day is a day of reflection, education, and active solidarity. Whether you are an individual, part of an organization, or a community leader, there are many meaningful ways to participate. Below are actionable strategies tailored to different contexts.

For Individuals

1. Educate Yourself: Read about the history of the movement and the ongoing struggles for gender equality. Recommended books: "Know My Name" by Chanel Miller, "She Said" by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey.
2. Support Survivors: Donate to the Time's Up Legal Defense Fund or a local anti-violence organization. Use the day to check in with friends and colleagues.
3. Speak Up: Share your own story or amplify others' voices on social media using the hashtag #TimesUpDay. Write to your elected officials urging stronger protections.
4. Attend Virtual Events: Many organizations host free webinars and panel discussions. Register in advance and invite others to join.

For Schools and Universities

• Curriculum Integration: Incorporate lessons on consent, bystander intervention, and the history of workplace equality into classes on September 17th.
• Student-Led Workshops: Organize peer-facilitated discussions on creating inclusive environments.
• Art and Essay Contests: Encourage creative expression around themes of justice and equity.

For Organizations and Corporations

1. Mandatory Training: Conduct annual harassment prevention training on this date to reinforce policies.
2. Pledge Renewal: Re-sign the Time's Up CEO pledge or similar commitment to diversity and inclusion.
3. Transparency Reports: Publish data on pay equity and harassment complaints to build trust.
4. Town Hall Meetings: Host an open forum for employees to voice concerns anonymously.

Global Variations by Region

North America

In the United States and Canada, September 17th often features large-scale rallies in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Toronto. The day is also marked by corporate pledges and media campaigns.

Europe

In countries like France, the UK, and Germany, Time's Up Day is tied to local feminist movements. Activities include film screenings (e.g., "The Assistant") and parliamentary lobbying.

Asia-Pacific

In India, Japan, and Australia, the day focuses on grassroots activism, especially in industries like agriculture, manufacturing, and tech. Candlelight vigils and social media storytelling are common.

Latin America

In Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina, the day incorporates artistic protests (e.g., murals, performances) and demands for stronger implementation of existing laws.

The impact of the Time's Up movement and its dedicated day has been profound and multifaceted. Since its inception, the movement has driven measurable changes in law, corporate policy, and public discourse.

Legislative Achievements

• United States: The Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Harassment Act (2022) banned mandatory arbitration clauses in sexual harassment cases.
• France: In 2019, France passed a law allowing victims of sexual assault to report incidents up to 30 years after the fact (previously 20).
• India: The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act (2013) gained renewed enforcement through Time's Up advocacy, with stricter compliance penalties introduced in 2021.

Corporate Policy Shifts

Thousands of companies have reformed their human resources practices. For example, the "Time's Up Pledge" has been signed by over 500 major corporations, committing to diversity in leadership, pay equity audits, and zero-tolerance for harassment. Many firms now publicly report their progress on September 17th annually.

Cultural Change

The movement has normalized conversations about consent and power dynamics. Media coverage of workplace harassment has increased by 400% since 2017. Social media campaigns like #WhyIDidntReport and #MeToo have encouraged millions to share their experiences, reducing stigma. Additionally, bystander intervention training has become standard in many workplaces and schools.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite progress, critics note that the movement has sometimes focused on high-profile cases while neglecting underprivileged workers. The Time's Up Foundation has addressed this by prioritizing low-wage industries and expanding its legal fund to cover domestic workers, farmworkers, and others.

Time's Up Day would not exist without the tireless work of individuals and organizations who have championed the cause. Below are some of the most influential.

Founding Members

• Alyssa Milano: Actress and activist who helped galvanize the #MeToo movement and was a key early supporter of Time's Up.
• Shonda Rhimes: Television producer who used her platform to advocate for equitable hiring practices.
• Kerry Washington: Actress who co-founded the Time's Up Legal Defense Fund.
• Meryl Streep: Donated generously and used her public appearances to spotlight the cause.

Organizational Support

The Time's Up Foundation is the primary nonprofit coordinating the day's activities. It works in coalition with groups like:

• National Women's Law Center (legal advocacy)
• RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
• MeToo International (global coordination)
• Equal Rights Advocates (workplace equity)

Unsung Heroes

Countless grassroots organizers, from domestic workers in California to factory workers in Bangladesh, have driven local chapters of the movement. Their stories are shared annually on the Time's Up Day website to inspire continued action.

Storytelling has been central to Time's Up Day. The movement recognizes that changing culture requires changing narratives. Media campaigns, documentaries, and artistic expressions have amplified the message.

Documentary and Film

Notable works include the documentary "The Hunting Ground" (2015) about campus sexual assault, which predated but influenced the movement. More directly, the film "Bombshell" (2019) depicted the Fox News sexual harassment scandal. On Time's Up Day, many organizations host screenings followed by Q&A sessions with survivors and experts.

Social Media Campaigns

Hashtags like #TimesUp and #TimesUpDay trend annually. Viral campaigns such as #ShowYourStripes (wearing stripes on September 17th to show solidarity) have gained traction. In 2023, over 10 million posts used the official hashtag.

Public Installations

Art installations often appear in public spaces. For example, the "Silence Breakers" sculpture in New York City's Financial District was unveiled on September 17, 2019, featuring life-sized figures of activists. Interactive murals in cities like Berlin and Tokyo invite passersby to share their own messages.

As Time's Up Day continues to evolve, organizers are focusing on several key areas to deepen the movement's impact.

Intersectionality and Inclusion

Early criticisms that the movement centered on white, affluent women have led to intentional outreach to women of color, indigenous communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and disabled workers. The Time's Up Foundation now requires that all grant-funded initiatives demonstrate intersectional approaches.

Global Expansion

While observance is strongest in the United States, the foundation is working to establish formal chapters in Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. Partnerships with local feminist organizations aim to adapt the message to cultural contexts.

Legislative Wins

Future priorities include passing the Be HEARD Act in the U.S. to expand protections for all workers, and pushing for ratification of the ILO Convention 190 on violence and harassment in the world of work internationally.

Sustaining Momentum

To prevent fatigue, the day incorporates celebratory elements—like concerts and awards—alongside sobering discussions. The "Time's Up Effect" is measured annually through surveys tracking changes in workplace culture, with results published on September 17th.