Guardian

Colombia's #MeToo: Journalist's Story Unleashes Flood of Claims

latin_americas human_rights culture countries
A Colombian journalist's public account of sexual harassment has triggered an avalanche of similar allegations, reaching into the country's government. Juanita Gómez says a senior colleague tried to forcibly kiss her inside an elevator in 2015. She was on assignment for Caracol Television at the time. Gómez pushed him away to escape. She did not report the incident then. She feared it would become her word against that of a powerful presenter. Her recent decision to share her story publicly has inspired many others to come forward. They are using the hashtag #MeToo on social media. The wave of claims now includes allegations against figures in politics and media. The movement is forcing a national conversation about harassment and power in Colombian workplaces.