Emma Watson reflects on Time’s Up anniversary: ‘2018 was just the beginning’

‘There’s still a long way to go, but the achievements so far make me optimistic for a fairer future’

Last year the actor donated £1m to the UK Justice and Equality Fund, a campaign aimed at helping those affected by harassment (Getty)

On the first anniversary of the Time’s Up movement, Emma Watson has called for “solidarity across professions and across borders”.

The actor, best known for playing Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter film series and Belle in Beauty and the Beast, has been a prominent member of the organisation since it was set up in January last year.

Celebrating the anniversary on Instagram, Watson wrote: “Thank you to everyone who has been part of Time’s Up over the past year.

“From my sisters in the film industry to the activists and campaigners around the world who have supported us, I’ve been so inspired by the way people have reached out to each other, shared experiences and advice, and organised together as part of this movement for change.

“Gender equality can only become a reality if we harness the transformative power of solidarity across professions and across borders.

“There’s still a long way to go, but the achievements so far make me optimistic for a fairer future. 2018 was just the beginning.”

As of December, the organisation’s fund – which offers legal aid to women affected by harassment in the workplace – had attracted $22m (£17.3m) in donations as well as hundreds of volunteer lawyers.

In February 2018, Watson donated £1m to the UK Justice and Equality Fund, a campaign aimed at helping those affected by harassment. At the Oscars in March, she debuted a fake tattoo – complete with typo – on her arm, that read “Times Up”.