The Justice K. Hema Committee Report has brought to light the severe challenges faced by women in the Malayalam film industry, often referred to as Mollywood. This report, which was initiated after the shocking assault on an actress in 2017, exposes the widespread issues of sexual harassment, gender inequality, and exploitation that female actors encounter in the industry. The report also offers recommendations to improve the working conditions for women in Mollywood.
★ Widespread Sexual Exploitation and the Casting Couch
One of the most alarming findings of the Hema Committee Report is the prevalence of the “casting couch” in Mollywood. The casting couch refers to the practice where women are expected to provide sexual favours in exchange for roles in films. This exploitation has become a norm in the industry, creating a dangerous and unequal environment for female actors.
Many women reported that they were pressured to “compromise” or make “adjustments” to secure roles. This means that they were expected to engage in sexual activities with powerful men in the industry, such as directors and producers, to get acting opportunities. Those who comply with these demands are often derogatorily labelled as “cooperating artists.” This practice not only demeans women but also perpetuates a culture of exploitation and inequality in the industry.
★ Pay Disparities: Unequal Pay for Equal Work
Another significant issue highlighted by the report is the pay disparity between male and female actors in Mollywood. Female actors are frequently paid much less than their male counterparts, even when they are doing the same work under the same conditions. This wage gap is a clear example of gender discrimination, showing how women are undervalued in the industry.
Despite the hard work and dedication that female actors put into their roles, they are not compensated fairly. This not only affects their financial stability but also reinforces the idea that women’s work is less valuable than men’s. The report calls for immediate action to address this pay gap and ensure that women are paid fairly for their work.
★ Lack of Privacy and Safety on Film Sets
The report also reveals that women in Mollywood face a lack of privacy and safety on film sets. Many female actors feel unsafe going to work alone and often bring their parents or close relatives with them to protect themselves from harassment. There have been numerous reports of men from the industry, often intoxicated, persistently knocking on the hotel doors of female artists late at night, causing great distress and fear.
In some cases, these men have tried to force their way into the rooms of female actors, leading many women to avoid staying alone in hotels during film shoots. The lack of safety and privacy not only makes the work environment hostile but also affects the mental and emotional well-being of female actors. The report emphasises the need for better security measures to protect women on film sets and in their accommodations.
★ Cyber Harassment: A New Form of Abuse
In addition to physical harassment, the report highlights the growing problem of cyber harassment faced by women in Mollywood. Female actors are often subjected to online bullying, public threats, and defamation. Social media platforms like Facebook are frequently used to post vulgar comments, images, and videos aimed at humiliating and intimidating women in the film industry.
Many female actors receive explicit and threatening messages, including rape threats and photos of male genitalia. This form of harassment not only invades their privacy but also creates a hostile and threatening environment online. The report calls for stricter laws and regulations to combat cyber harassment and protect women from such abuse.
★ Women’s Reluctance to Report Harassment
Despite the widespread harassment and exploitation, the report reveals that many women in Mollywood are reluctant to report these crimes to the police. The fear of retaliation and further harassment, combined with the stigma and embarrassment associated with sexual harassment, often prevents women from speaking out.
For female actors, reporting harassment can have severe consequences for their careers and personal lives. Many fear that coming forward will lead to public ridicule, cyberattacks, and damage to their reputation. The report stresses the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment where women can report harassment without fear of retribution.
★ Health Issues: Lack of Basic Facilities
The report also sheds light on the health issues faced by female actors due to the lack of basic facilities on film sets. Many women report that they do not have access to clean and private restrooms, especially during menstruation. This has led to widespread health problems, including urinary tract infections, among female actors in Mollywood.
The lack of proper facilities forces women to endure long hours on set without being able to change sanitary pads or use the restroom. This not only affects their health but also adds to the discomfort and challenges they face at work. The report calls for immediate improvements in the facilities provided to women on film sets to ensure their health and well-being.
Recommendations for Improving Working Conditions
To address the issues identified in the report, the Hema Committee has made several important recommendations aimed at improving the working conditions for women in Mollywood:
- Ban on Alcohol and Drugs: The report strongly recommends banning the use of alcohol and drugs on film sets. This measure is essential to create a safer and more professional working environment for women.
- Safe Accommodation and Travel: The report emphasises the need to provide safe accommodations and travel arrangements for women working in the industry. Producers should be held accountable for ensuring the safety of female actors during film shoots.
- Equal Pay and Respectful Treatment: The report calls for women to be paid equally for their work and treated with respect on film sets. It also urges the industry to eliminate the use of vulgar language and discriminatory practices.
- Formation of an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC): The report suggests establishing an ICC under the POSH Act to address complaints of sexual harassment. This committee should include representatives from various film industry unions to ensure that complaints are handled fairly and promptly.
- Background Checks for Staff: The report advises conducting background checks on all staff members, especially drivers, to ensure the safety of women on set. Individuals with criminal backgrounds should not be employed in roles that require close interaction with female actors.
- Addressing Discrimination: The report highlights the need to address the severe discrimination faced by women in the industry. It calls for immediate action to ensure that women are not marginalised or excluded from opportunities in Mollywood.
The Path Forward: A Call for Change
The release of the Hema Committee Report is a significant step toward addressing the deep-rooted issues within the Malayalam film industry. However, the path to real change will require the collective effort of the industry, government, and society to implement the recommendations and create a safer, more equitable environment for women in Mollywood.
The report serves as a wake-up call, urging all stakeholders to take action and ensure that the Malayalam film industry becomes a place where women can work without fear of harassment, discrimination, or exploitation. The ultimate goal is to protect future generations of women who wish to pursue careers in cinema from the atrocities that have plagued the industry for so long.
