By Jennifer McShane
05th Aug 2019
05th Aug 2019
The actress and advocate has launched the free UK helpline so that women have more access to support
Emma Watson has helped launch a legal advice helpline for women who are dealing with sexual harassment at work, according to The Independent.
As part of her work with the #TimesUp and #MeToo movement, the helpline has been co-signed by Times Up UK, an organisation which insists on justice and equality for all women. It will be managed by Rosa, a UK-wide charitable fund for women and girls.
The actor and activist discussed the launch, saying: “Understanding what your rights are, how you can assert them, and the choices you have if you’ve experienced harassment is such a vital part of creating safe workplaces for everyone, and this advice line is such a huge development in ensuring that all women are supported, wherever we work.”
She explained the hope is that the helpline ultimately increases visibility for women in the workplace who are dealing with sexual harassment and that it will encourage employers to take action when faced with a complaint, after pointing out that TUC research found that one in two women had experienced sexual harassment in the workplace.
Related: Emilie Pine: In a post-#MeToo world speaking up still isn’t always easy
She added that it was “completely staggering” that the free helpline for women in England and Wales was the only service of its type.
This is the latest in humanitarian efforts for the actress, who has been vocal about various equality campaigns in the past, including #HeForShe.
“Understanding what your rights are, how you can assert them, and the choices you have if you’ve experienced harassment is such a vital part of creating safe workplaces for everyone,” Watson explained.
“This advice line is such a huge development in ensuring that all women are supported, wherever we work.”
When women from the UK dial the hotline on 020 7490 0152, they’ll receive advice from a member of Rights of Women, a charity that provides women with legal advice to help them better understand the law and their rights.
The phone line will be open on Mondays from 6pm to 8pm and Tuesdays from 5pm to 7pm.
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