Film industry of Kerala, India was the first that has come into the incisive focus with the recent police investigation of the perpetrators, who abused women in the Mollywood Industry. These investigations were incited by various complaints from female actresses who have publicly accused of various abuse by their male actors who are all so called Industry-Artists. Certainly, the allegations stretched power imbalance that led to several committees and bodies came to voice out by particularly addressing sexual harassment and discrimination in the film industry.
Generally, the subjugation often manifests Gender Inequality in work space where the highlighting issues like unequal treatment in terms of pay and opportunities and they end up in facing further gender-based discrimination consequently. Discussing the fact of what Women face in the film industry, both globally and within India, has long been criticized for the systematic subjugation of women through innumerable forms of abuse, discrimination and mistreatment.
Committees addressing the issues of Subjugating Women with Government of Kerala
Women in the Mollywood industry have initially taken various measures to combat the subjugation of the government, they built up committees and bodies that address the issues. The government of Kerala, under the leadership of the Left Democratic Front (LDF), that played a beginning actions against sexual harassment and gender discrimination in the Mollywood Industry.
The LDF, led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI (M)), has been in power in Kerala from 2016. This has become the first one to address the rising concerns by the help of Kerala Government about the treatment of women in the Mollywood industry for its liberal stance on Social Issues.
The controversy has sparked discussions about the need for reforms within the Kerala film industry. There is growing demand for stricter regulations and the establishment of mechanisms to address complaints of harassment and exploitation.
The formation of Hema Committee
In 2017, following the abduction and sexual assault of a popular Malayalam actress, the Kerala government set up a judicial commission which led by retired Justice for Hema to investigate the working conditions of women in the Mollywood industry. Predominantly, this marked the first time any state government in India had taken such an initiative to review gender-based discrimination and harassment in the film industry.
The Hema Committee was assigned with investigating the prevalence of sexual harassment, discrimination and other challenges faced by women in the industry. The committee conducted interviews with female actors, directors, technicians and other main stakeholders to gather evidence and understand the extent of the problem.
The state’s efforts were seen as a model for other regions, highlighting the need for systemic reforms in the entertainment industry nationwide. The LDF government’s actions have set a precedent, showing how state intervention can play a crucial role in combating workplace harassment and ensuring a safer environment for women in traditionally male-dominated industries.
The Kerala government’s cultural ministry, under the leadership of A. K. Balan (the then Minister for Cultural Affairs), was instrumental in pushing forward these initiatives.
(ICC), Internal complaints committees
Conferring the Act, 2013, all organisation, including film industry houses are required to have an ICC to address complaints of sexual harassment by the Men to the women colleagues at the workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Reparation).
(WCC), The Women’s Collective in Cinema
The WCC advocates for gender equality, supports survivors of harassment, and works to create safer working environments, was established in response to the lack of support for women in the film industry, was the organization that was founded in Kerala.
(NCW), National Commission for Women
The NCW is a constitutional body in India that seeks to protect and promote the interests of women that led It often takes up cases of sexual harassment and works alongside police and legal bodies to ensure justice is served.
State-Level Women’s Commissions
Each state in India has its own women’s commission that addresses cases of gender-based violence, including those within the film industry.
Through the formation of the Hema Committee and other supportive measures, Kerala has become a leading example of how governments can take proactive steps to protect women’s rights in the workplace, particularly in industries where power imbalances and patriarchal structures have long suppressed women’s voices. While the situation is still unfolding, it has already had a profound impact on the industry and society at large.
