In a conversation with South First, P Sathidevi shared the Kerala Women's Commission's future plans to ensure women's safety in Mollywood.
Published Aug 20, 2024 | 2:00 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 20, 2024 | 2:00 PM
Advocate P Sathidevi, Kerala Womens Commission Chairperson.
The release of the Justice Hema Commission report has given the Kerala Women’s Commission a tough job to look into. The commission is contemplating the actions to be taken following the release of the report that exposed the dark realities in the Malayalam film industry.
Advocate P Sathidevi, a veteran leader of the CPI(M) and former MP of the Vadakara Lok Sabha constituency, assumed the role of Chairperson of the Kerala Women’s Commission on 19 October, 2021.
Her appointment came after the controversial tenure of the late MC Josephine, whose remarks had ignited a significant public backlash.
In a conversation with South First, she shared the Kerala Women’s Commission’s future plans to ensure women’s safety in Mollywood.
Q: The Justice Hema Committee report shed light on some disturbing issues within the Malayalam film industry, particularly the influence of criminal gangs. Can you elaborate on the specific challenges that female workers face in this environment?
A: The Justice Hema Committee report has indeed brought to light the harsh realities faced by women in the Malayalam film industry.
Female workers are constantly insecure, not only because of the prevalent criminal influence but also due to the discrimination they endure daily.
Their working conditions are appalling, with basic amenities like proper toilet facilities often lacking. After gruelling workdays, they can’t even sleep peacefully due to serious security threats.
Unfortunately, harassment for sexual favours is not uncommon, with incidents like midnight door-knocking further emphasizing the toxic environment. Women who stand against these demeaning expectations often face social exclusion.
Q: Wage disparity is another significant issue highlighted in the report. How does this impact women in the industry, and what does it say about gender equality in Mollywood?
A: Wage disparity is indeed a grave concern in the Malayalam film industry, reflecting a profound lack of gender equality. Women are often paid significantly less than their male counterparts, which is not only unfair but also disheartening. This disparity sends a clear message that women’s contributions are undervalued.
The hostile environment further exacerbates this issue, as women who refuse to comply with degrading demands often find themselves marginalised, struggling to secure work.
It’s a clear indication that Mollywood is far from being women-friendly, and significant changes are necessary to address these inequalities.
Q: Given these deep-rooted issues, what steps do you believe are necessary to ensure the safety and dignity of women in the Malayalam film industry? Is there any government intervention on the horizon?
A: To address these deep-rooted issues, the approach of directors and producers must undergo significant change, prioritising the safety and dignity of women in the industry. It is also crucial for the government to intervene and establish stringent regulations that protect women film workers.
In fact, the Kerala Women’s Commission is preparing to submit a comprehensive report to the government, following an in-depth analysis of the Justice Hema Committee’s findings.
This report will urge immediate action to safeguard the rights and security of women in the Malayalam film industry, ensuring that they can work in an environment free from harassment and discrimination.
Q: The release of the report and the formation of the committee are the results of the WCC’s struggles and efforts. How will the commission align with the WCC?
A: The release of the JHC report and the formation of the committee are indeed the result of the Women in Cinema Collective’s (WCC) advocacy and struggles — there is no doubt about it. The WCC’s petition prompted the Women’s Commission to seek the Kerala High Court’s intervention to establish a suo motu commission.
This led to the court ordering the formation of an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) within the Malayalam film industry under the POSH Act, which has been in place in India since 2013. The Women’s Commission supported this move in court, aligning efforts with the WCC.
Q: How did the Commission contribute to the controversy surrounding Producer Sajimon Parayil’s challenge to the release of the report in the High Court?
A: As you know, film producer Sajimon Parayil’s recent challenge to the high court regarding the report’s release caused significant controversy.
The Kerala Women’s Commission played a vital role by opposing Parayil’s challenge. Our active involvement and advocacy played a key role in ensuring the report’s release proceeded successfully. We will continue our fight to ensure that all women in Kerala can live with dignity.
Q: Apart from this, What is the motive behind the commission’s recent move for a dowry prohibition campaign across the state?
A: We have pushed for the Kerala Marriage (Prohibition of Dowry and Extravagance) Draft Bill to be discussed and passed in the Assembly.
The bill requires both families (bride’s and groom’s) to submit detailed wedding expense reports to the District Dowry Prohibition Officer, with local bodies overseeing compliance.
It also grants enhanced powers to Dowry Prohibition Officers and introduces penalties for violations. This initiative aims to combat dowry-related issues and promote a dowry-free society.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil)
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