Eight years after the #MeToo hashtag ignited a global movement, founder Tarana Burke is ushering in a new era with the inaugural Disruptor Council. This powerful collective of artists, activists, and leaders is dedicated to advancing the mission of ending sexual and gender-based violence.
A New Era of Collective Action
Burke explained the council’s purpose: “What we’re trying to do with this Disruptors Council is have ambassadors who can bring that message to the world and say, ‘Listen, we’ve been talking about… sexual and gender based violence for years. What we know is that there are solutions. We know we don’t have to live in a world where this exists. This is solvable, and we are some of the people on the front lines committed to making sure that we find solutions.’”
The council boasts an impressive lineup of changemakers, including Viola Davis, Gabrielle Union, and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley. Their collective action underscores the understanding that ending sexual violence requires confronting systemic issues, policies, and cultural norms that perpetuate it. With statistics revealing that 1 in 3 women experience gendered violence, and high-profile cases continuing to surface, Burke emphasizes that this is a critical moment to address the pervasive nature of this crisis.
Movements Are Always in Motion
Burke stresses that the “Me Too” movement, much like “Black Lives Matter,” remains active and vital. She clarifies that movements are inherently dynamic and constantly evolving. “Injustices don’t come to a dead halt,” she explained, addressing the misconception that the movement has ended simply because public attention fluctuates. “The evidence of a movement is that you hear about it in the news, that you see people paying attention to it, that you see people even being attempted to be brought to justice.” Bringing figures like Harvey Weinstein and Sean Combs to court, she notes, is a direct result of the movement’s momentum.
Beyond accountability, Burke emphasizes the movement’s commitment to supporting survivors’ healing processes. “We have to listen to every survivor. They deserve investigation. Let us [survivors] tell you what we need and what we want,” she urged. This includes providing resources and community support, recognizing that healing often requires navigating spaces where harm occurred.
Diversity and Inclusion at the Core
The Disruptor Council was intentionally curated to reflect the diversity of survivors’ experiences across various industries and demographics. Council members like Michelle Buteau, Bevvy Smith, Breanna Stewart, Cliff Albright, Jessie Woo, Kier Gaines, Marley Dias, Samantha Barry, Padma Lakshmi, and Ai-jen Poo leverage their unique platforms to advocate through content, partnerships, and events. Burke highlighted the disproportionate underrepresentation of Black women, Indigenous women, and trans women in the conversation surrounding sexual violence, underscoring the need for diverse voices.
The council members themselves shared their commitment. Gabrielle Union stated, “I disrupt by challenging the status quo in ways that create opportunity, understanding, and progress for everyone.” Viola Davis added, “I raise my hand as a survivor and the daughter of a survivor… to destroy the stigma, the shame and reclaim our worth. I’m proud to be a disruptor.” Burke concluded that the diverse membership sends a powerful message: even those at the height of their careers recognize that power alone doesn’t guarantee safety, necessitating a collective effort to ensure everyone’s well-being.
How can we collectively work towards ending sexual and gender-based violence? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below!
