"They told me to change my clothes. I changed the law instead." Now that's real badass.

"I will cry, but it's okay, because not crying isn't about power anymore. You can still be powerful and cry." So much wisdom in these words.

"Why are you more interested in proving you're not the problem than in helping me fix the problem?"

As the father of three daughters, and a nurse working in emergency care who sees the victims of men attacking women on an almost daily basis, thank you so much for your work.

Hey everyone! Thank you your lovely comments. Just wanted to apologise for the sound issues in the first few mins my earring was hitting on my mic and I was too overwhelmed to figure it out!!

The most disturbing thing about this story (apart from the r@pe and death threats) is that the children whose teacher took thousands of upskirt photos of them, were told the law couldn't help them because what he was doing wasn't illegal. That is just so sick. Thank you, Gina.

"not all men are calling out their friends when he says something to a woman he would never say to a guy" thank you!!!!!!!!

It makes me feel sick that upskirting wasn’t illegal before this woman put a stop to it.

Whenever I speak up about issues like this, I get labelled a 'snowflake'. I'm not really sure how speaking up about gender inequality equates to being delicate and fragile, but I do actually think 'snowflake' is an appropriate analogy. Everyone who takes a stand, who makes a fuss, who calls someone out is a 'snowflake' - not much on its own, but when you have enough 'snowflakes', you cause an avalanche. Gina Martin is a brilliant, brave and inspiring woman.

Thank you so much. Because of you a similar campain was started in Germany. As of 03.07.2020 upskirting is illegal in germany too.

Sad we need a law to tell people to not be creepy and violating people.

Amazing talk. Brave Woman. Yes, we ALL need to stand up for one another and do what's right! Bravo!

"No not all men, but too many" Thank you, such a bs excuse to not deal with the harsh reality that a lot of men participate in misogyny ranging from assault and harrassment to "harmless" comments and jokes. Such an inspiration Gina, thank you for your hard work.

I'm from the USA. Even from elementary school I was getting cat calls from cars, which moved on to groping in high school, cars following me as I walk, calling me names when I don't engage. Coworkers cornering me in a room, demanding I go out with him and when I reported him, it was MY work schedule that changed, not his. So when it happened again, only worse, years later, with another coworker grabbing me, hugging me too close, kissing my lips even as I tried to pull away, I said nothing. What's worse, when complaining to to my follow female coworkers, everyone knew who this person was. He was "just like that." Why is this so normalized and trivialized? I'll never understand why half the population seem to have bodies meant for the enjoyment of the other half with no autonomy of their own.

There is something seriously bizarre about anyone who "dislikes" this video. Dislikes are red flags if you ask me

Her campaign to change the law in England has led to a change of law in Germany also :) It inspired some women here to start an online petition regarding this. And Upskirting is now a criminal offense in Germany also. Good work !

You talk about not being academic, yet you are so succinct. I’m always arguing that intelligence can’t be measured by a test. It is also the ability to think outside the box and wow did you prove you can do that. As the mother of 3 women and grandmother of 5, 3 girls. I applaud you and am going to repeat ‘but too many,’ whenever I am challenging anyone on this. My 21 year old recently asked me if I was ever scared in a situation with a man, when I said no, I was shocked at her reply, ‘you are lucky’ I shouldn’t be lucky I should be normal. Keep up the good work. 👏👏👏👏👏👏

I am 57, almost 58. I cannot believe that young women today still have to go thru that s**t. Thank you for your hard work Gina and thank you for the answer to "not all men". No, not all men, but too many.

I’m fourteen years old. I haven’t been through nearly the same amount of harassments you have. As you can imagine, I get up and go to school every damn weekday. Except today. Today, I’m at home, on my sofa, doing schoolwork, crying. I woke up yesterday morning and couldn’t find any trousers to wear, so I had to wear the only thing I could find that matched my uniform - a skirt. When I went to school, long story short, people started commenting on my skirt. Like even the slightest comment “that skirt”, made me shiver. Everyone was looking at me. I was humiliated. That was yesterday. And now I’m crying on my 🛋. This video has made me realise that what happened yesterday was not my fault. I should be able to wear a short skirt and not let it be an invitation. I’ve realised now that, everyone else’s lives do not revolve around the length of my skirt. Thank you. Thank you for empowering not only me, but for all women of the next generation and the one after that. Thank you ❤️

It's sad that such a law is needed. Why does *any* man think demeaning women in *any* way is acceptable?

My mom used to say, "The measure of how BIG a man is, is measured by how far he might stoop over to help a lesser, unfortunate person, who was struggling to get back up on their own two feet again." (She's dead 40 years now.)

Not all men, but too many. You’re so brave. Thank you for making the world a better place for all of us. ❤️

"Not all men, but too many." Powerful words, and a powerful talk. Also, as the mother of a non-binary teenager, I really appreciated your use of "women and marginalized genders."

Gina, I want to pass on a piece of encouragement. When people are attacking you because you're a high-profile fighter against oppression, that means you're doing something right. They wouldn't be upset enough to attack you so strongly if you weren't a serious threat. When you're feeling overwhelmed by the viciousness, remember that. And remember that there is a woman here in the United States with two daughters who is cheering you on and doing what I can myself. Thank you so much for your anger and your courage.

So cool to see a "normal" person stand up, work hard, and make a change. But, I think it's kind of clear from listening to her speak so eloquently that she isn't that "normal", but rather extraordinary for not putting up with it.

hmmm, illegal in Scotland. Could that have ANYTHING to do with men wearing kilts???

My husband is the best man... And we raise our son to follow. I wish more families would discuss these things.

I'm not normally one to publicly post, but I wanted to add to the volume of your support. You have managed this journey of; activism and advocacy with such dignity. Thank you for your tangible actions, your message, voice, courage and blood sweat & tears.

the up or down instead of left and right is such an incredible perspective!!!! cried through the whole thing. our voices will be heard! (also your intersectional awareness of privileged and marginalized people is much appreciated!!) ♥️🏳️‍🌈

Hello my dear, what an amazing young woman you are! I’m so very sorry for everything that happened and still does. I’m in my 60’s and I’m a “very angry woman” - apparently... Women of my generation were much more vocal than subsequent generations and I felt very sad that there were no brave women left. I now know different. I too, did a similar thing which ruined my career. I was a whistleblower and I’m “enshrined” in English case laws. My health was destroyed for 15 plus years as a result, my life was in tatters, I was totally broke, press were reporting inaccurate stories all the time (my employer was a huge USA organisation with all the money in the world), and no employer would touch me for three long years. For me the breakthrough came when I got a job with a charity, and was speaking with one of our legal advisers on a random matter. As I was giving her my contact details, she fell silent and I froze with expectation. She said - you are her, aren’t you? I sighed and very quietly said yes. She then screamed with delight and simply said this: you are my hero! I don’t remember the rest of conversation, but in that single moment, things changed.

this is so true. a teacher at my school r*ped a 16 year old girl three times after she went to him for help from a s*xually abusive family. The last one happened on my 12th day of high school. I had that teacher, and had liked him. He was funny. had a comforting presence. When he left, no one believed he'd done anything wrong. Our substitute seemed worried, so we thought he'd gotten sick. My class tried to make a get well soon card for him. The school just didnt take us and told us he was on leave for 'family reasons' for over 7 months. 9 months after he left, I found out what had happened from a friend who didn't even go to my school. The school hadn't told us there was a p*do who knew our addresses. Despite clear evidence, that teacher still hasn't been prosecuted.

This woman should be given some kind of national medal, thank you for making the world a little bit better place to live in!

When she mentioned crying whenever she heard other people's stories because they felt like her own, that really rung true for me. I bawled the entire 20 minutes. This is my favorite TedTalk ever.

Not all heroes wear capes. I think Gina Martin is a hero.

This made me cry, I am a 55 year old Man, I wish I could do more.

"Not all men but too many." I literally cried listening to this.

You [Men] are not our protectors.... If you were, who would there be to protect us from? - Mary Edwards Walker

Gina, you embody " Be the change you want to see in the world". I have that painted on my garden wall, a bulletin board of sorts to myself with which to embody and live my ethics every day as I close my gate and go into the world. Much love and support to you, brave and beautiful warrior

I followed your cause from the start when I heard about it. I never even knew upskirting existed until you brought it to light. I am in awe of your bravery, passion and perseverance. Congratulations on creating another milestone victory

Inspiring indeed. She's right. Sympathy for certain issues is not enough. WE NEED TO TAKE ACTION.

This was one of the most inspiring and essential talks I've seen in ages. Thank you for your continued work. Big love and appreciation x

Bless you, honey. Thank you for standing up for my daughter.

Feeling moved, hopeful and stronger after watching this incredible woman stand up for herself and all of us! All love and support to you and everyone one else who's fighting for justice, for a better world.

You can't see her cape, but she is a hero. To all the guys, and it will be all guys, that have hit the thumbs down button, you are the real problem with this world.

Outstanding talk given by a bright and brave young woman. She's absolutely right that the responsibility to change things lies with us, and requires our willingness to confront misogyny when we meet it out in the world. That includes the men with good hearts and morals to stand up and say something when they see or hear that behavior. Until they do, they can't really count themselves as good men, only as men who want to be good. Working together, women and good men can change this for our sisters, daughters, mothers, grandmothers and the everybody else. It's the only thing that will change it.

"Sympathy is soothing but it does go far enough. Action does. And listen, you'll get things wrong, we all do ---" so well-put, thank you! Thank you for your grit + your courage + your inspiration + your authenticity! You are an inspiration!

I can see why people listen to her. This was easily one of my favorite TED talks. She feels very natural, sincere and unprepped. Which just adds to her relatability. I think men resist change because they feel we are trying to take away their rights. They have a right to a joke or a good time, but not if it leaves the person feeling so angry for so long. Who has a right to that? I'm about to have a son and I really hope I can raise him to be one of those few men that needs to grow in numbers. I think most men who don't say something to their friends, when they think their actions are despicable, is because they are scared. And being a man and scared touches right at their fragile ego. So they do nothing about it.

It's not about perfection, it's about progress. ABSOLUTELY RIGHT!!! Well done for standing up for all of us.

Tedx, thank you for providing a platform for Gina to share this impactful experience.

This was an incredibly powerful talk from an incredibly powerful woman. There's a reason things change for the better, and vulnerable communities are protected from predatory individuals and groups, and that reason is people like Ms. Martin. She talks the talk and walks the walk, and not only are we all better for it, the world's a better place b/c of it. Thank you for your efforts, Ms. Martin. It drives me to redouble my efforts to be of service to those most in need of assistance.

Gina, Thank you so much for doing this and putting it out in public. You are strong in your vulnerability. I am appalled that this was not illegal 31 years after my case. Here it is... In 1986, after separating from my husband, I was propositioned by my supervisor. I politely turned him down, letting him know I was in a relationship. My supervisor's wife was pregnant with their first child at the time and I didn't want her to be hurt. The next working day, he reported me for being less than five minutes late to work. I was so angry I complained about his proposition which was brushed off as 'a joke'. A few months later, I fell delightedly pregnant to my partner and informed work that I was considering maternity leave. This was like automatic doors, very new at the time. At the end of the first trimester, I fell ill with the flu. I was terribly sick, had five days off in a row out of a six day working week and people were still telling me I shouldn't have been at work when I went in. It was so tiring, I had another day off. But... my supervisor presented the situation to Head Office as being that I had had 10 days off out of 11 because of the pregnancy, deliberately including four rostered days off, and got permission to bust me down from my Team Leader position to benchwork in the laboratory. Meaning I'd need to stand all day and lift 20kg weights of liquid solvents. I weighed about 45kg. Oh, yes, and breathe in those solvents! Long story short, with many incidents of putdowns and confrontations, a complete lack of support from my family (Why do you have to make a fuss? from my mother), I took the largest company in New Zealand (I know, a tiny country) to the Human Rights Commission and won. The maximum penalty for causing me stress was $2,000 and while this was a small amount, even then, I was awarded the lot plus back wages. In fact, my award was the highest to that date. We went public with it, too, getting the story on the front page of the weekend section of the national newspaper (no social media back then). But the trauma of it stayed with me for years and my daughter was only 5lb 4oz when born. She is 5'0" tall, very sensitive and had to fight to gain a sense of self-esteem. I have often felt guilty at the effect it had on her. Yes, you are allowed to cry over the awful things said and done to you. But, like me, you didn't do this only for yourself. We did it for half the population who needed a better response from the world at large. I have often smiled at the blind acceptance of young women of their current freedoms, not knowing of the individual battles of a small, dark-haired woman like me and a girl like you, both without university degrees and a leftist mentality. FYI: my daughter is completing her Master's degree, this year and she stands up for herself very capably.

"...because I'd shut my mouth about it [so] I didn't have the language..." One of the best ways to keep any group of people oppressed is to deny them the language to describe what's happening to them.

You are far more educated or academic as you said than majority of the people who call themselves that. You're brave, beautiful, strong, passionate about your purpose. God speed and thank you thank you and thank you for your work

Here's a message that should give us all hope: I watched this talk yesterday, had a night with my friends and then caught an Uber home. The Uber driver was a young gentleman who recounted his wife's recent birth and then told me, "I have a very strong love and appreciation for women and their bodies and not just my wife, all women. Their bodies are so powerful and beautiful and I respect them all". To which I responded, "on behalf of all women, thank you so much, we need more men like you"! There is hope and there are young men out there who hold these values. Thanks again for doing what you do to open people's eyes and their minds.

It's amazing and heartbreaking how we abuse and violate one another in so many ways, and that in america, we previously elected a man who boasted about similar behavior towards women and is still idolized by so many people and who will probably never experience negative consequences for his universally abusive behavior

I can only say one thing to this woman, thank you. Women like you are inspirational and you've given me some strength this evening.

i want this whole ted talk tattooed on my body it is incredible!!

I just wonder how many men would be prepared to brush off this sort of behaviour if they knew it was happening to their daughter/sister/ girlfriend/wife?

All men should be correcting friends when they talk abt women as objects or meat - red head/blonde/brunette, ‘nice piece’ ‘tap that’ or slingin’ locker room” talk. It’s this culture that’s the bed rock.

Absolutely amazing talk. Thank you. Your challenge at the end hit home. "Hate and intolerance are very loud, they scream but good people, compasionate people are quiet and humbel and getting on with the work." Change is on all of us. Action is on all of us. It is the right thing to do...time to get busy.

Gina, I love how you took this serious incident and shared it with the world. Opening up isnt easy. Not only that but you should us the pain, the ups and downs that this process was. You fought against injustice and that is NEVER trivial. We shouldnt have to fight for our God-given human rights. You made a change and I can too 🤗

You are amazing. You absolutely have this correct. I need to watch your video again and go back and write down the lessons. Toward the beginning of your talk, you mentioned a few times that you were not an academic, but what you have accomplished says otherwise. You just earned your education first-hand instead of in the ivied halls of a university. You deserve all the awards and titles you have been given. Thank you for sharing your story.

Well done Gina, that was the most powerful ted talk I’ve ever watched. I cried with you and admired ur strength throughout that talk. The world needs more people like you

Was literally captivated. How have I only seen this now?!!! Briliant, brave, beautiful, caring, confident and strong. Your a women Ill look up to.

This message should be part of every Life Orientation lessons and legal studies in every country in the world. Thank You Gina for all your tireless efforts

It's so sad and sickening that people really need to explain themselves and fight for the simple right of respect and being seen as a human beeing and not an object. I really wonder when humans took "the wrong turn", but I sure know that (the sane and sensible) part of our species needs to become more like Gina and take up the fight, even though it might be uncomfortable and traumatic. Thank you Gina for your bravery and choosing to go route #2!!!

Just watching this & a Mom of 3 women, it breaks my heart that you've gone thru this. But I thank you for being strong & taking a stand.

57, father of 3 daughters, this is very moving. Thank you for your work. There should be an odd, backhanded, regret of thanks to the men who took the photo and revealed themselves to be animals. They did the wrong thing to the right woman; the woman who would make their act illegal. Sadly, many regulations are written in blood. I'm sorry this one was yours, but I'm glad for the way you turned your frustration into positive action for change.

We do women, and society, a grave disservice when they grow up thinking that #1 is OK and #2 is only for someone else.

Gina!! I am inspired by you daily. This talk was everything, I cried, I laughed, I'm fired up. I truly barely have the words to express how important this conversation is and how beautifully you tied so many important points together.. You did brilliantly and I loved hearing about your journey to changing the law. Thank you xx

I just read the messages, This girl should just remember every single person she made mad just cause they can't do it freely anymore. Girl you should feel powerful and victorious everytime you read them.

All I can say is thank you. As someone who grew up in the era of what you call #1, I’m proud for you that #1 is no longer an option for either of us. As a now older woman, stepping into #2 is far easier and I’m proud that my daughter who is 25 years younger than me no longer sees #1 as an option.

To all men who say "I'm not like that", If you look at the picture, laugh at the jokes, engage in the "locker room banter", YOU ARE THE PROBLEM. Call the perpetrators out, hold them accountable, tell them that behavior is NOT acceptable.

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH! I'm going into law school next year and I hope I'll bring such great changes in my country too, India! You're my inspiration 💓

This was such a powerful talk! What you have achieved is so so important, you put the anger you so rightly had, to fuel the work for change. What you have done has and will continue to protect so many. I know there is much more work to be done but I hope what you have done can be the catalyst for a better world and for more people to be brave and take option 2. Thank you. X

Thank you Gina. The fact we have to teach our daughters to dress to avoid unwanted attention is proof enough there is a massive problem

It’s 2 am and I can’t sleep but this made me feel a whole lot of emotions. Thank you Gina Martin for the work you’re doing and for using your voice !

This is a very remarkable talk, Gina Martin ! ... You deserve a world of "Thanks", for having/showing the courage of a woman with great depth/determination, though it is unfortunate you have been "required" to experience the behavior of "mostly men", without consciousness, failing to understand that people will probably not survive the next century without common goals and understanding that we are all made of the same "dirt", and absolutely require thought, love and respect... - Farley A.

One of the best talks I've heard in a while. Thank you, Gina, for your work and your enlightenment and willingness to share your story and others. Please keep sharing your lessons, as I think we can all learn from them.

Now I'm checking if upskirting is illegal in my country.

Thank-You, Gina for speaking up-you a warrior! Inspiring. "Too many Men!!!" I agree. Sending you love and sunshine from South Africa!!!

Very emotional talk for me...it hits home. Ty for you getting this law passed. I'm so tired of these crimes against women being minimized by society and some authority.

You are an exquisite human being. The perseverance you displayed is something to be admired. I read the news when the bill got passed but only seeing your face now. Thank you for existing as you are.

I'm SO GLAD I clicked on this TED talk! Wow what an inspiration.

Thank you for sharing your story, for changing the law, and continuing to dismantle all forms of oppression. We’re here with you, Gina, we’ve got your back 🧡

This is the best TED talk I’ve ever seen. What an achievement, you are a hero!!

Thank you for this talk. This talk means so much to me. i feel like i am in a losing battle. Its like people dont understand how loss of power and humiliation can affect you. The oppression of women is so naturalised in our society and you have inspired me and given me room to breathe

It is about time society started looking at men's behaviour rather than asking women to put up with this behaviour. Laws are bought out, but these don't change behaviour...

A brilliant and powerful talk Gina. You're so brave and inspiring, and have moved me to tears. Thank you from all girls and women. everywhere

You GO GIRL! Awesome work and talk, Gina!!! We can't wait for change, we have to make it! Grew up in the 1960s, when girls weren't allowed to wear pants or trousers to school. Wore pants, every day, with a note from my mom giving me her permission to wear pants. I was the bane of the principal's existence. If I forgot that note, got sent home. That only happened twice. Was at that elementary school for four years. The next year, when I went to middle school, the rule was changed for the whole District and girls were allowed to wear pants to School. Fight for change and progress! Dresses are great, too. It's choice and the right to live unharassed, in what you wear, that is important. And, good work putting predators in jail!

If we are not part of the solution then we most definitely are part of the problem! Well put!!

You are amazing! I have a daughter, a granddaughter, and a grandson, and they know things like this are NOT okay. And we have to stand up and be heard...just like what you did. You have saved thousands of girls and women. Thank you so much for getting angry. BIG hug from across the pond.

You are a real life Frodo! And that is true heroism! As someone clever said: anger is you standing up for you, because you HAVE been unfairly treated! Anger is there to protect you, to take care of you, and to give you a warm hug and cuddle you when you are feeling injured and down. Don’t ignore your anger. But also don’t let it control your life. It is a defense system, not a weapon that you can use without risking your ‘self’.

Congratulations, young lady! This is a blueprint of how to get things done regardless of the politicians who oppose the will of the same people they are "representing".

It's so sad Gina Martin faced such a backlash and probably has to worry about her safety now. But I'm also so grateful that she shared her story 💜

Men who say "not all men" are probably one of those men who do things like this. Why else would they be so threatened by women calling out men for how they treat us?

Just want to congratulate Gina for a wonderful thing she has done x

Going to TED is very brave of you and a HUGE STEP BRINGING AWARENESS BIG TIME ❣️❤️❣️🤗🤗

This lady is amazing. Not just because she successfully changed the law. But because she continued to stand up for her rights and the rights of others when society and "popular opinion" was against her. So many people go back to number 1 and stay silent. I admire her immensely.

"Sympathy is soothing, but it doesn't go far enough, But action does" I'm just literally crying now