Hema Committee Report

Context: In response to the demands from the Women in Cinema Collective, the Justice Hema Committee was established to investigate and address systemic sexual harassment faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. Source: IE

  • The Hema Committee is the first of its kind in India, created to conduct an in-depth study of gender-related issues within the film sector.

Key Findings

  • Women in the industry frequently encounter sexual harassment, including demands for sexual favors, both in the workplace and in their accommodations.
  • Professional qualifications and skills may not be sufficient to secure employment, as the casting couch phenomenon often plays a role in job opportunities.
  • Basic facilities such as toilets and changing rooms for women are often inadequate or unavailable.
  • Due to safety concerns, women are compelled to bring family members for protection while working.
  • A powerful lobby exists within the industry, capable of influencing and controlling outcomes, which can make or break careers.
  • Women frequently face unauthorized bans and threats of being blacklisted from the industry.
  • The industry is marred by gender bias, male dominance, and significant disparities in pay between men and women.
  • The use of alcohol and drugs contributes to misconduct and poor discipline within the industry.
  • Women seeking technical roles often face resistance, and unfair contracts tailored to individual requirements are common. Many women fear online harassment if they speak out about their experiences.
  • The formation of an internal complaints committee (ICC) alone is insufficient to address the multitude of problems faced by women in the industry. There is a lack of legal recourse and inadequate awareness of legal rights among those affected.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *