ncw-demands-full-release-of-hema-committee-report

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has demanded the full release of the Hema Committee Report, following alarming findings related to sexual abuse within the Malayalam film industry.

In a press release, the NCW expressed concern over the report’s revelations, which highlight issues such as workplace harassment, gender-based discrimination, and exploitation of women in the industry. The Commission emphasised the importance of addressing these issues to ensure the rights and safety of women in the Malayalam film industry.

The Hema Committee Report has drawn significant attention since its partial release by the Kerala government on August 19. Initially a 295-page document, the report was made public under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, but 63 pages were redacted, raising questions about the complete content.

The NCW's recent move to obtain the full report aims to shed more light on the issues and ensure that the necessary steps are taken to protect women working in the industry.

Based on the testimonies of 51 professionals within the Malayalam film industry, the report uncovers disturbing details of exploitation faced by women. The existence of a “casting couch” culture, where women are pressured into providing sexual favours in exchange for roles, is one of the most shocking revelations.

The report describes how women are often asked to make "adjustments" and "compromises"—euphemisms for sexual favours—as a precondition for securing roles in films. This form of harassment is pervasive, starting from the very inception of a woman's career in the industry.

Furthermore, the report highlights the denial of basic human rights to women on film sets. It describes how women are frequently deprived of access to essential facilities like toilets and changing rooms, particularly during outdoor shoots.

In such situations, women are forced to find secluded areas to change clothes or relieve themselves, often without access to water or other basic amenities. This lack of provision for basic needs underscores the systemic neglect and mistreatment of women in the Malayalam film industry.