NCW Report Reveals Harassment Faced By Women In Malayalam Film Industry

A shocking report by the National Commission for Women (NCW) has exposed the harassment and challenges faced by women in the Malayalam film industry.

The findings emerged after a two-member NCW team, Delina Khongdup and Shivam Garg, visited Kerala under the guidance of NCW Chairperson Vijay Kishor Rahatkar. The visit followed revelations from the Hem Committee report, which highlighted systemic issues within the industry.

Allegations By Women Artistes

During their investigation, the NCW team recorded testimonies from female actors, uncovering disturbing accounts of exploitation and harassment:

• A female actor alleged that women are often pressured into sexual relationships to secure work.
• She accused some members of the “Women Cinema Collective” of colluding with accused individuals to suppress harassment cases.
• Junior artists, burdened by financial pressures, find it nearly impossible to challenge harassment or pursue legal recourse.
• Privacy violations were also reported, with junior female artists forced to change clothes in public spaces during shoots.

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NCW Recommendations For Reform

The NCW has proposed a series of measures to address these issues and create a safer working environment for women:

1. Internal Committees (ICs): Mandate the establishment of internal committees within production companies to handle sexual harassment complaints.
2. Awareness Programs: Implement gender sensitization and training programs tailored to the film industry.
3. Confidential Complaints System: Introduce a secure mechanism for women and marginalized groups to file complaints without fear of retaliation.
4. Support Services: Provide psychological and legal assistance to women facing harassment.
5. Data Collection: Promote research to gather comprehensive data on harassment cases within the industry.
6. Training for IC Members: Ensure all IC members receive training to handle complaints with sensitivity and professionalism.
7. Inter-industry collaboration: Foster cooperation across regional cinema industries to standardize and enforce safety measures for women.

NCW’s Stand On Harassment

NCW Chairperson Vijay Kishor Rahatkar emphasized the seriousness of the issue. “Cases of harassment against women in the Malayalam film industry will be taken seriously. The NCW recommendations aim to ensure a safe and dignified working environment for women in the industry,” she said.

A Call For Change

The NCW investigation has laid bare the entrenched issues of harassment within the Malayalam film industry. These recommendations, if implemented, could pave the way for significant reforms, not only in Kerala but across the Indian film industry.

This report could catalyze broader industry-wide reforms, ensuring that women across all sectors of cinema can work in an environment of safety, dignity, and respect.