Gender Equality: Special references to the film Industry in India
Gender inequality is a pervasive issue that affects societies worldwide, manifesting in various
forms, including economic disparities, limited access to opportunities, and discrimination based on
gender identity. According to a UN report, on average, women in the labor market still earn 23
percent less than men globally, and women spend about three times as many hours in unpaid
domestic and care work as men. Sexual violence and exploitation, the unequal division of unpaid
care and domestic work, and discrimination in public office all remain huge barriers. The COVID-19
pandemic has exacerbated all these areas of inequality. The Indian film industry, despite its global
influence, has not been immune to these challenges. While the industry has seen some progress in
recent years, women continue to face systemic barriers in terms of representation, pay, and
workplace conditions.
The Hema Committee, comprising retired High Court Justice K. Hema, former actor Sharada,
and retired IAS officer K.B. Valsala Kumari, was formed in 2017 after Kerala-based Women in Cinema
Collective’s (WCC) petition to study issues of sexual harassment and gender inequality in Malayalam
film industry. The comprehensive report was released recently, and it sheds light on these
challenges. The report highlights the underrepresentation of women in key roles, such as directors,
producers, and scriptwriters. Despite an increase in the number of women entering the industry,
their participation remains limited to certain roles, often reinforcing traditional gender stereotypes.
The portrayal of women on-screen continues to be a challenge. Many films perpetuate harmful
stereotypes and objectify women. The Hema Committee report encourages the creation of content
that challenges patriarchal norms and promotes gender equality.
One of the most glaring disparities identified by the Hema Commission is the persistent pay
gap between male and female actors. Even when female actors achieve critical acclaim and
commercial success, they are often paid significantly less than their male counterparts. This pay
disparity extends to other roles in the industry, including technical and creative positions. Workplace
harassment and safety are also significant concerns. The MeToo movement brought to light
numerous cases of sexual harassment in the film industry, prompting some steps towards creating
safer work environments. However, the Hema Commission emphasizes the need for more robust
policies and enforcement mechanisms to protect women and ensure their well-being. Numerous
artists have come forward with allegations against male co-actors who misbehaved with them,
demanding accountability for the trauma and the opportunities they had to lose due to the
imbalance in the power dynamics in the industry.
Instances of sexual harassment, abuse, and disparity in pay are not limited to the Malayalam
film industry. MeToo allegations have surfaced in various industries, yet robust measures to hold
perpetrators accountable remain elusive. Such incidents create a toxic work environment, deterring
women from pursuing careers and eroding their confidence. It is imperative to establish stringent
policies, provide safe reporting mechanisms, and ensure swift and impartial investigations to address
these issues and foster a culture of respect and equality. The journey towards gender equality in
Indian cinema is ongoing, and it requires the collective efforts of stakeholders at all levels to bring
about meaningful change.