HEMA COMMITTEE REPORT (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Social Issues)
Context: The Kerala High Court's Division Bench has admitted a PIL urging the Kerala government to initiate criminal proceedings against individuals involved in sexual exploitation and harassment of women in the film industry, as reported by the Justice K. Hema Committee.
Hema committee Report
- Formation: The Kerala government established the Justice Hema Committee in July 2017.
- Purpose: It was created in response to the abduction and sexual assault of a prominent Malayalam actress, highlighting widespread gender discrimination in the Malayalam film industry.
- Mandate: The committee was assigned to investigate issues related to sexual harassment and gender inequality within the industry.
- Key findings:
oPervasive Sexual Harassment: The Malayalam film industry is rife with sexual harassment, including the casting couch, vulgar comments, and male co-actors invading women's private spaces.
oFear of Retribution: Victims often avoid reporting harassment due to fear of retribution, including potential cyber harassment from toxic fan clubs.
oAll-Male Power Structure: A dominant group of male actors and producers controls the industry, silencing anyone who opposes them.
oInadequate Facilities for Women: The industry fails to provide basic facilities like toilets and changing rooms for women on film sets, leading to health risks.
oGender Pay Disparity: The absence of written contracts contributes to significant gender pay gaps in the industry.
