Interview
#Metoo: how it's changing the world
The EconomistJacob Zuma, Gigi White, Noah, Jordan Peterson, Sheryl Sandberg, Morgan Mercer, Avela Faye, Sean, James, David Fuller
- Global legal systems face intensified scrutiny regarding their capacity to deliver justice, with expectations that the MeToo movement could kickstart efforts to address the historical lack of power women possess.
- Projections indicate a high volume of immediate activity, with the Time's Up Legal Defense Fund anticipating at least 30 to 40 intake cases for a single day.
- Future impact in South Africa is predicted to depend on increased prosecutions, with expectations that a lack thereof will cause the country to slide backwards.
- The filing of claims against McDonald's, the US Postal Service, and Walmart is expected to prompt other major organizations to revise their sexual harassment rules.
- Corporate policy shifts are anticipated to be driven by VR training, with Google and PricewaterhouseCoopers expressing interest in adopting technology to teach men about sexual harassment.
- Men are expected to exhibit increased nervousness and hesitation regarding professional interactions, such as one-on-one meetings or dinners with junior female colleagues.
- Companies are predicted to face pressure to "bend and distort" policies, potentially restricting behaviors like eye contact or hugging, though uncertainty exists regarding the overall success of these measures.
- Positive outcomes are contingent on improving men's emotional intelligence and communication, which is expected to result in greater harmony, though progress from fringe groups may take significant time.
- Risks include the potential for the movement to generate negative consequences if mishandled, provoke vilification of all men, or fail to produce lasting impact in specific regions.
- Discussions from the past year are expected to lead to innovation in facilitating better conversations and an important societal shift regarding women's roles.