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The Hema Committee, also
known as the Justice Hema Commission, was a judicial commission set up in 2017
by the Government of Kerala to investigate issues related to the working
conditions and safety of women in the Malayalam film industry. The committee was
led by Justice K. Hema, a retired judge of the Kerala High Court, and included
other notable members such as actress Sharada and retired IAS officer K.B. Valsala
Kumari as its members.
Purpose of the Hema
Committee
The committee was
established in the aftermath of growing concerns about the exploitation and
mistreatment of women in the Malayalam film industry, particularly after the
high-profile abduction and assault of a well-known actress in 2017. The case
brought attention to the lack of protection and systemic issues faced by women
in the film industry.
The main objectives of
the Hema Committee were:
1. Examine Issues of
Gender Discrimination: The committee was tasked with investigating instances of
gender discrimination, harassment, and lack of equal opportunities for women in
the Malayalam film industry.
2. Address Sexual
Harassment: One of the committee's focuses was to address cases of sexual
harassment in the industry and recommend measures to protect women from such
exploitation.
3. Recommend Reforms: The
committee aimed to propose guidelines, policies, and structural changes to
ensure the safety, dignity, and fair treatment of women in the film industry.
This included suggesting improvements in working conditions, legal safeguards,
and forming a safe environment for women in cinema.
4. Explore Wage Gaps: The
committee was also expected to look into wage disparities between male and
female actors, technicians, and other professionals in the film industry.
Report and Findings
Although the Hema
Committee submitted its report to the Kerala government in December 2019, its
findings and recommendations were not made public immediately, leading to
criticism from various quarters, especially from groups advocating for gender
equality, such as the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC).
While the contents of the
report remained confidential for a long time, media speculations suggested that
it included recommendations for forming internal complaints committees (ICCs)
to handle grievances, implementing a code of conduct for behaviour on film
sets, and addressing the systemic problems that enable discrimination and
harassment. It is also believed that the report emphasized the need for
creating a more inclusive environment for women in the industry.
Reactions and Aftermath
Women in Cinema
Collective (WCC): The WCC, a prominent group formed to fight for the rights of
women in the Malayalam film industry, consistently pushed for the report to be
made public and for its recommendations to be implemented. They expressed
frustration over the delay in action and lack of transparency surrounding the
report.
Government Response: The
Kerala government faced criticism for not publishing the report or acting
swiftly on the committee's recommendations. However, the government assured
that it was studying the report and intended to take necessary actions based on
its findings.
Significance
The Hema Committee
represents a significant moment in the fight for gender equality and safety in
the Indian film industry. It brought to the forefront the challenges faced by
women in cinema and underscored the need for a safe and respectful working environment.
The committee’s efforts, despite delays in implementation, are seen as a
crucial step towards addressing systemic issues of sexism, harassment, and
exploitation in the entertainment industry.
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