Miss Super Globe 2018 runner-up Archana Ravi on #MeToo campaign

The #MeToo campaign aimed at exposing sexual harassment is gathering momentum with survivors revealing the sexual abuse they suffered.

Serious allegations have been levelled against established actors, politicians, industrialists and even journalists

The latest to join the bandwagon is Archana Ravi, the first runner-up of Miss Super Globe World.

"I have to say that the fashion industry is no different when it comes to misbehaviour. I have faced several instances within my short journey where I had to say loud 'NO's," Archana, the youngest Keralite to represent India in an international beauty pageant, said.

She revealed that young talents in fashion industry encounter sexual advances. These advances are mostly camouflaged by offers of better career opportunities.

"No one is going to help you out in shaping your career. If you receive an offer of better opportunity, realise that the person who extended it has some vested interest or motive. My career was shaped by a number of 'NO's," she added.

Archana Ravi said there is always an option to refuse when it comes to sexual advances. 

"There might be a lot of reasons to concede but your integrity, your individuality is the only reason to refuse. You have to say 'NO's at places which demand it. No matter how big the offer is, your adamant stance will shape you to be a better person," she said.

Archana also said that at the beginning of her career, she had been under severe stress due to such advances. Later on, the favours I refused started making me proud equally like my achievements, she said. 

"Do not leave behind your passion, your enthusiasm and hard work for anyone inside or out of the industry. Your future is exclusively in your hands," Archana said as a message to young aspirants in the fashion industry.