Kerala Government Releases Justice K Hema Committee Report on Women in Malayalam Film Industry
The Kerala government has made public the Justice K Hema Committee report, which examines the working conditions of women in the Malayalam film industry. The report, based on testimonies from 51 industry professionals, reveals shocking details about the exploitation of women, including the existence of casting couches and poor working conditions.
The report states that harassment begins at the outset, with women being asked to make ‘adjustments’ and ‘compromises’—euphemisms for sexual favors—to secure roles. According to the report, ‘Compromise’ and ‘adjustment’ are terms very familiar among women in the Malayalam film industry, indicating that they are asked to make themselves available for sex on demand.
The Committee also found that women are denied basic human rights, such as access to toilets and changing rooms, even on sets. Women often have to find secluded spots to change or use the bathroom during outdoor shoots, with no access to water or basic facilities.
The Hema Committee was formed in response to a 2017 sexual assault case involving an actor and submitted its report to the Chief Minister on December 31, 2019. The report’s findings highlight the need for urgent reforms to protect women in the Malayalam film industry.
Doubts Revealed
Kerala -: Kerala is a state in the southern part of India. It is known for its beautiful backwaters, beaches, and rich culture.
Justice K Hema Committee -: Justice K Hema is a retired judge who led a committee to study the working conditions of women in the Malayalam film industry. A committee is a group of people chosen to do a specific job.
Malayalam film industry -: The Malayalam film industry, also known as Mollywood, is the segment of Indian cinema that produces movies in the Malayalam language, which is spoken in Kerala.
testimonies -: Testimonies are statements or stories given by people about their experiences. In this case, 51 people from the film industry shared their experiences.
exploitation -: Exploitation means taking unfair advantage of someone. In the film industry, it can mean making people work in bad conditions or treating them badly.
casting couches -: Casting couches refer to a situation where people in power in the film industry demand sexual favors from actors in exchange for roles in movies.
harassment -: Harassment means bothering or troubling someone repeatedly. In this context, it refers to women being treated badly or unfairly in the film industry.
reforms -: Reforms are changes made to improve a system. The report calls for changes to make the film industry safer and better for women.
