NCW Urges Full Release of Hema Committee Report on Malayalam Film Industry Harassment

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has requested the full release of the Hema Committee Report, which outlines serious issues like sexual abuse and workplace harassment in the Malayalam film industry. The report's partial release has drawn attention to gender-based discrimination and exploitation affecting women in the industry.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Saturday urged the complete release of the Hema Committee Report, following revelations of sexual abuse in the Malayalam film industry. An official press release from the NCW stated that the Commission identified several 'concerning findings' in the report, highlighting issues such as 'workplace harassment, gender-based discrimination, and other forms of exploitation that negatively impact women in the Malayalam film industry.'

'In response to these serious concerns, the NCW is actively seeking the comprehensive Hema Committee Report, as only portions are currently accessible to the public. The Commission aims to work with relevant authorities to ensure women's rights are protected and that a safe, equitable working environment is established within the industry,' the press release noted. On August 19, the Kerala government released the Justice K Hema Committee report on women's working conditions in the Malayalam film industry, but redacted 63 out of the 295 pages under the RTI Act.

Based on testimonies from 51 industry professionals, the report exposes alarming details about exploitation, including casting couches and poor working conditions. It reveals that harassment often starts early, with women being asked to make 'adjustments' and 'compromises'—essentially sexual favours—to secure roles.

'Women in cinema disclose that harassment begins at the very beginning. Various witnesses testified that production controllers or those offering roles first approach women or, conversely, women seeking roles are told to make 'adjustments' and 'compromises,' terms synonymous with offering sex on demand,' the report stated.

The Committee also discovered that women are deprived of basic human rights, such as access to toilets and changing rooms, even on film sets. Women frequently have to find secluded spots for changing clothes or using the bathroom during outdoor shoots, often without water or basic facilities. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)