Hema Committee Report | #Must Know
The Hema Committee Report uncovers widespread harassment and gender bias in the Malayalam film industry, calling for reforms to protect women's rights.
The Hema Committee Report was formed in 2017 by the Kerala government to investigate issues related to the safety, remuneration, and working conditions of women in the Malayalam film industry. This initiative came after the assault of a prominent actress, which exposed systemic problems in the industry. The committee was chaired by former Kerala High Court judge Justice K. Hema, along with members Smt. T. Sarada and Smt. K.B. Valsalakumari.
Key Issues and Findings:
The report, submitted in 2019 but made public in August 2024, detailed the widespread exploitation faced by women in the industry, including:
- Sexual Harassment: Women faced severe harassment in workplaces, accommodations, and during transport, often under coercive power dynamics such as the "casting couch."
- Unsafe Work Environment: Women were denied basic facilities like toilets and changing rooms on film sets. There was also rampant workplace indiscipline, including drug and alcohol use, which further compromised their safety.
- Remuneration Disparity: Women were frequently paid less than men, and many lacked formal contracts that would guarantee payment for their work.
- Gender Bias and Power Dynamics: Male dominance in the industry led to illegal blacklisting of women who raised their voices, pushing them out of work if they refused sexual advances or demanded better pay.
Committee Recommendations:
- Independent Grievance Forum: The report proposed forming an independent tribunal to address gender-related issues in the industry, as the internal complaint mechanisms were found to be ineffective.
- Mandatory Contracts: Contracts were recommended to ensure that remuneration and work conditions were formally agreed upon, which would provide legal protection to women.
- Gender Justice in Content: The committee urged the inclusion of more women in technical roles and promoted gender-balanced representation in cinema content.
- Workplace Reforms: The need for safer accommodations, better on-set facilities, and stronger legal frameworks against cyberattacks were also highlighted.
The report created a significant stir in Kerala, leading to public discussions about the ingrained gender biases in Mollywood. The revelations continued to fuel debates on the need for reform in the industry, with many calling for the urgent implementation of the committee’s recommendations.
Legal Battle and Gender Justice: Hema Committee Report (September 2024 Update)
By September 2024, there were numerous legal proceedings connected to the report. Notably, the Kerala High Court sharply criticized the state government for its inaction in implementing recommendations from the report.
Public Interest Litigation (PIL) continued to be filed, challenging various aspects of the investigation and the lack of protective measures for women in the industry. The court also directed that further documents and witness statements be handed over to investigators as part of ongoing cases, particularly focusing on powerful figures within the Malayalam cinema, such as directors and actors, who had been implicated in the report.
The findings of the report sparked a resurgence of the #MeToo movement in Kerala, with more women coming forward with allegations against prominent figures in the film industry. However, the reaction to these revelations was mixed, with silence from some of the industry's most influential members and scepticism from others. Despite the controversy, the report has paved the way for more concrete legal actions, including investigations against several high-profile personalities.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed by the Kerala government submitted action-taken reports by late September 2024, yet the implementation of the committee’s recommendations remained a slow process. Activists and women in the industry continued to press for the establishment of independent grievance mechanisms and formal contracts to protect women from future exploitation.
This period marks an important chapter in the battle for gender equality in Indian cinema, with the Hema Committee Report acting as a catalyst for ongoing legal reforms and public awareness campaigns on the systemic harassment faced by women in the industry.
References
[1] Kerala High Court slams State Government over Hema Committee Report, Available Here
[2] Kerala High Court raps govt for inaction, asks it to hand over full report to SIT, Available Here
[3] Hema Committee report aftermath, Available Here
[4] MeToo in Malayalam cinema explained: Inside the Hema Committee findings, Available Here
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