Reality of reel life, exploitation as a structural problem

Syllabus
GS Paper 1 – Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.

Context
The findings in the K. Hema Committee report must pave the way for reforms in the film industry

Source
The Hindu| Editorial dated 26^th August 2024

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Reality of reel life, exploitation as a structural problem

The Justice K. Hema Committee report, released by the Kerala government in August 2024, highlights the challenges faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. The committee, formed in 2017, submitted its report in 2019, and a redacted version was made public in 2024. The report addresses sexual exploitation, assault, and discriminatory practices against women in the industry, calling for reforms and gender equality.

Key Issues Highlighted in the Report

• Sexual Exploitation and Assault
  • Women in the Malayalam film industry often face sexual exploitation and assault.
  • The report reveals that women are frequently coerced into providing sexual favors for opportunities.
  • Women who refuse to cooperate are often marginalized or sidelined by powerful individuals in the industry.
• Discriminatory Practices
  • The report also highlights discriminatory practices and the lack of basic facilities for women.
  • Issues include inadequate sanitation facilities, biased treatment, and unequal pay.
  • The industry fails to provide a supportive and safe working environment for women.

Broader Cultural Context

• Culture of Assault
  • The report’s findings reflect the broader issues women face in a patriarchal society.
  • Women are often subject to stereotypes and societal expectations regarding their behavior.
  • Sexual assault is viewed as a manifestation of these societal norms that disregard women’s autonomy and dignity.
• Normalization of Objectification and Stereotypes
  • The normalization of objectification and gender stereotypes plays a significant role in perpetuating sexual assault against women.
  • Women are denied autonomy over their choices, which is reflected in workplace harassment and assault.

Legal Framework and Issues with Current Mechanisms

• Vishaka Guidelines and the 2013 Act
  • In 1997, the Supreme Court of India established the Vishaka Guidelines to protect women from workplace harassment.
  • The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, was enacted to address these issues, including provisions for an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC).
  • The Act defines ‘workplace’ broadly, including the film industry.
• Limitations of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC)
  • The Justice Hema Committee report suggests that the ICC is not effective for women in the film industry.
  • The potential for the abuser or employer to influence ICC members undermines its effectiveness.
  • The committee recommends an independent forum constituted by the government to address these issues specifically for the film industry.

Registration of Crimes and Anonymity Concerns

• Lack of Crime Registration
  • There has been criticism over the lack of registration of crimes based on the committee report.
  • The report was released with redacted names to maintain the anonymity of survivors, following legal norms.
• Legal Protections for Anonymity
  • The Nipun Saxena vs. Union Of India (2018) ruling by the Supreme Court emphasizes protecting the identity of sexual assault survivors.
  • The right to privacy, an integral part of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution, supports the survivors’ anonymity and decision to pursue or not pursue a criminal case.
• Challenges in Pursuing Complaints
  • Survivors often face societal stigma and fear retaliation, making them reluctant to file complaints.
  • The slow judicial process and fear of being branded as troublemakers further deter survivors from seeking justice.

Need for Structural Reforms

• Global Movements and Local Impact
  • Similar to the global #MeToo movement that began in 2017 following accusations against Harvey Weinstein, the Hema Committee report calls for structural reforms.
  • The government must lead efforts to address the challenges faced by women, particularly those in lower positions in the industry.
• Recommendations for Change
  • A comprehensive study and resolution of all issues, including the lack of adequate facilities and hostile bias, are necessary.
  • The report aims to empower women with greater awareness and encourage the fight against workplace discrimination.

Conclusion

The Justice K. Hema Committee report sheds light on the pressing issues faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. It calls for immediate reforms and a supportive, safe working environment, urging the government and society to take collective responsibility for ensuring gender equality and justice.

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Related PYQ

How does patriarchy impact the position of a middle-class working woman in India? [ UPSC Civil Services Exam – Mains 2014]

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Practice Question

The Justice K. Hema Committee report has highlighted the pervasive issues of sexual exploitation and discrimination faced by women in the Malayalam film industry. Suggest measures to create a safer and more inclusive workplace for women in the film industry? [150 words]

Guidelines for Answer

• Introduction:
  • Briefly introduce the Justice K. Hema Committee report and its significance in addressing the issues faced by women in the Malayalam film industry.
• Body:
  • Key Findings of the Report:
    • Discuss the issues of sexual exploitation, assault, and discriminatory practices highlighted in the report.
    Analysis of the Existing Legal Framework:
    • Evaluate the effectiveness of the Vishaka Guidelines and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013. Highlight the limitations of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in the film industry context.
  • Suggestions for Improvement:
    • Propose measures to create a safer workplace, such as establishing independent forums, enhancing accountability, and providing gender sensitivity training.
• Conclusion:
  • Summarize the need for structural reforms and collective efforts to ensure gender equality and safety for women in the film industry.

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