A safe workplace isn’t a luxury; it’s a right. That’s why a revolution ignited, with art and voice as its weapons. The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) redefined the Malayalam film industry, leading a bold fight for justice and safety.
Despite laws favoring women, gender-based atrocities persist across industries in Kerala due to deep-rooted issues. Lets examine them.
Cultural and psychological factors:
1. Patriarchy: Kerala’s strong patriarchal norms devalue women, fuelling discrimination and abuse.
2. Power Imbalance: Men dominate leadership roles, creating fear among women to speak up against harassment, fearing retaliation.
3. Normalized Misogyny: Misogyny is often dismissed as “industry culture,” silencing victims and discouraging others from speaking out.
4. Legal and systemic gaps:
Weak Enforcement: Laws like the 2013 Sexual Harassment Act often fail due to poor implementation. Complaints committees are biased, making justice hard to achieve.
5. Lack of Awareness: Many women are unaware of their rights, further silenced by social conditioning that discourages legal action.
6. Inadequate Support: Without strong support systems like counselling or legal aid, women fear social stigma and remain silent.
Lessons from WCC and the Hema Committee report:
1. Power in Unity: WCC’s collective action raised awareness and pressured authorities for change. Unity gave women a stronger voice.
2. Empowerment: WCC’s success shows the power of solidarity, empowering women to challenge the status quo.
3. Institutional Reforms: The Hema Committee report exposed systemic issues. But real change depends on the commitment to implement these reforms.
Needed laws and changes:
1. Stronger Enforcement: New laws must focus on independent supervision and unbiased complaints committees, holding wrongdoers accountable.
2. Whistleblower Protection: Laws protecting those who expose gender discrimination can encourage more women to speak out.
3. Gender Sensitization: Mandatory training on gender equality can transform workplace culture.
4. Transparent Hiring: Legal mandates for transparency in hiring and promotions can reduce biases and discrimination
Path to change:
1. Cultural Shift: Change requires dismantling patriarchal norms through education and media.
2. Empowerment: Educating women about their rights and men about gender equality can foster a safer environment.
3. Legal Reforms: Continuous policy updates, driven by movements like WCC, are crucial. Accountability and cultural transformation go hand in hand.
Some welcome initiatives :
1. Corporates Companies like Infosys use anonymous reporting and independent reviews to ensure safety.
2. Media: Post #MeToo, organizations like the BBC set up confidential hotlines and counseling, proving institutional support matters.
The fight for gender equality is ongoing, and it demands commitment from every level of society.
കവർ: ജ്യോതിസ് പരവൂർ
