ForumIAS announcing GS Foundation Program for UPSC CSE 2025-26 from 10th August. Click Here for more information.
Source- This post on Justice Hema Committee Report has been created based on the article “What Justice Hema Committee report says, why its release was delayed” published in “The Indian Express” on 22 August 2024.
Why in News?
The Kerala government has recently released the Justice Hema Committee report. The report’s release was postponed for nearly five years, mainly due to concerns about the sensitive information it contained and the potential breach of privacy for those involved.
About the Justice Hema Committee
1. The Justice Hema Committee was formed by the Kerala government in July 2017.
2. It was formed in response to the abduction and sexual assault of a leading Malayalam actress, which highlighted the broader issue of discrimination against women in the Malayalam film industry.
3. The committee was tasked with investigating issues of sexual harassment and gender inequality in the industry.
Key Findings of the Justice Hema Committee Report
1. Prevalence of Sexual Harassment: The report reveals a pervasive culture of sexual harassment in the Malayalam film industry, including the existence of the casting couch, vulgar comments, and instances where male co-actors would force themselves into the rooms of female colleagues.
2. Fear of Retribution: Many women in the industry do not report sexual harassment due to fear of retribution. The report notes that this fear is well-founded, with women also facing cyber harassment from fan clubs as a form of intimidation.
3. Influence of a Male-Dominated Mafia: The report highlights the existence of an all-male “mafia” of influential actors and producers who control the industry, wielding their power with impunity and suppressing any opposition.
4. Lack of Basic Facilities for Women: The report points out the inadequate facilities for women on film sets, such as the lack of proper toilets and changing rooms, which exposes women to health risks like urinary tract infections.
5. Gender Pay Disparity: The report attributes the gender pay gap in the industry to the absence of written contracts, which disproportionately affects women.
UPSC Syllabus: Reports and indices
