More than 300 actresses, writers and directors have launched a project to help fight sexual harassment* in the film industry and other workplaces.

The initiative*, which is called Time’s Up, was announced via a full-page advert printed in the New York Times.

The Hollywood project is described as a “unified call for change from women in entertainment for women everywhere.”

It comes in the wake of sexual abuse allegations* by high-profile actresses against film producer Harvey Weinstein.

In a “solidarity letter*” published on its website, Time’s Up says the “struggle for women to break in, to rise up the ranks and to simply be heard” must end, adding: “Time’s up on this impenetrable* monopoly*.”

The letter, which is aimed at “every woman ... who has had to fend off sexual advances,” goes on to say that such harassment can often continue because “perpetrators* and employers never face any consequences.”

The campaign, which is backed by hundreds of actresses including Natalie Portman, Reese Witherspoon, Cate Blanchett, Eva Longoria and Emma Stone, has already raised more than US$13m of its US$15m target.

The money raised will be used to fund legal support for both female and male victims of sexual harassment at work.

The project is aimed primarily at those who are unable to meet the payments to defend themselves, such as agricultural or factory workers, caretakers and waitresses.

It also calls for “gender inequality and the imbalance of power” to be addressed, stressing the need for more women to gain positions of authority and parity* of pay. (SD-Agencies)