In the aftermath of the horrific rape and murder of a woman doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College & Hospital, over a hundred female artistes from the Bengali film industry have united to call for safer work environments. The tragic incident has sparked widespread outrage and prompted these women to speak out against the dangers they face in their own industry.
A Call for Action
The artists, including renowned names such as director Aparna Sen and actors Rupa Ganguly, Swastika Mukherjee, and Paoli Dam, issued a letter on Tuesday. This letter, addressed to the state-run Tele Academy, Eastern India Motion Picture Association, and West Bengal Motion Picture Artistes Forum, demands immediate action to address the pervasive issue of sexual harassment in the Bengali film, television, and web platform industries.
The letter highlights the daily struggles of women in the industry, who regularly face sexual abuse and harassment. The artists criticized the lack of a functional support system to prevent and address these issues, condemning the industry’s tendency to keep such incidents as both an “open secret” and a “hushed-up reality.”
In their letter, the artistes stressed the importance of establishing statutory structures in line with sexual harassment prevention laws. They urged all employers with seven or more workers to form Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) and advocated for greater awareness of Local Complaints Committees (LCCs) at the district level.
The women also called for the enforcement of stringent whistle-blowing systems to combat the exploitation of workers through requests for sexual favors in exchange for job opportunities. They emphasized that it is the duty of employers across all sectors, including the entertainment industry, to uphold the dignity and safety of their employees.
A Collective Call for Change
This collective appeal from the women of the Bengali film industry serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for systemic change. The artists’ demand for safer workplaces highlights the entertainment industry’s need to take immediate and meaningful action to protect its workers.
