Alianza Nacional de Campesinas: for bringing marginalized farmworker's voices into the #MeToo conversation

As the media broke the story of Harvey Weinstein’s systemic sexual harassment and assault, a group of lesser known women wanted to be sure their voices were heard, too. In November, 700,000 brave Latina farmworkers wrote a heartfelt letter of solidarity to the women in Hollywood who had come forward with their stories.

“We wish that we could say we’re shocked to learn that this is such a pervasive problem in your industry,” they wrote. “Sadly, we’re not surprised because it’s a reality we know far too well. Countless farmworker women across our country suffer in silence because of the widespread sexual harassment and assault that they face at work.”

The Alianza Nacional de Campesinas (The National Farmworkers Women's Alliance) expressed their understanding of the challenges that come with reporting harm and injustice. “Complaining about anything — even sexual harassment — seems unthinkable because too much is at risk,” they wrote.

As a result, the Hollywood women announced the formation of TIME’S UP to address sexual harassment, assault, and the imbalance of power. They urged the media to spend equal time covering “the myriad experiences of individuals working in less glamorized and valorized trades.” And they created a legal defense fund to the legal fees and costs of victims and survivors across industries.