The Justice K. Hema Committee report has finally been released after a long wait of five years of its submission to the Kerala Government. The report highlights the pathetic condition and sexual harassment of women in the Malayalam film industry.
Key highlights
- The report reveals extreme discrimination and exploitation faced by women in the industry. Deep-seated issues including casting couch, pay disparities, lack of basic amenities on sets, illegal ban, drug and alcohol abuse, and inhuman working conditions make women’s condition worse in the industry.
- Shockingly, the report finds that sexual harassment of women starts even before they begin working in the industry. Noted film personalities demand sexual favour in return for offering roles. However, deep-rooted fear of adverse consequences prevents women from taking any action or revealing the truth to even their close relatives.
- It also highlights that online harassment and cyber-attacks against women are very frequent in the industry.
- The report states that the industry is controlled by some influential actors, directors, and producers who create an unfriendly environment for women. This is tantamount to mafia raaj.
- It also highlights the inefficient performance and ineffectiveness of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) that is formed for each film to address the issues of sexual harassment.
- The report also brings forth the challenges faced by junior artists. Extended working hours of up to 19 hours, absence of a minimum remuneration, etc. make their conditions worse.
About Hema Committee
- The Kerala Government constituted the Hema Committee in 2017 in response to the sexual assault of a prominent actor and the demand from the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) for such a committee. The committee focused on investigating and finding the challenges faced by women in the industry.
- The three-member committee was headed by former Kerala High Court Judge Justice K Hema. The other members were veteran actor T Sarada and retired IAS officer K B Valsalakumari.
POSH Act 2013 to ensure women’s safety at workplaces
- The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act/PoSH Act 2013 was enacted by the central government to address the issue of sexual harassment of women at workplaces.
- The Act defines sexual harassment and provisions for actions against culprits.
- The Act mandates employers employing more than 10 persons to form an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) where a woman can register her complaint against any kind of sexual harassment. ICC has been given the powers of civil courts.
- The Act outlines a clear procedure for registering complaints, conducting investigations, and providing fair chances to the parties involved to put their points.
- The Act also mandates employers to create awareness regarding sexual harassment in the workplace through related programs and sessions. They are required to display major parts of the POSH Act at office premises.
- Employers can be fined or their business licenses can be suspended in case of non-compliance with the Act.
