Members of Women in Cinema Collective come out after meeting chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan in Thiruvananthapuram. Photo: Rinkuraj Mattancheriyil Why should women form a collective exclusively for them when there are umpteen number of organizations to represent their interests in the movie industry? This is a natural question to be asked about Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), the forum we have just formed to talk about the problems that female actors and technicians encounter each day.
Let me make it clear. This collective is not an alternative or parallel organization to any existing body in the Malayalam movie industry. Most of us are part of some of these organizations, and we are obliged to them for helping us out in many of our work-related issues in the past.
Such a collective was a long-cherished dream of all those who visited the chief minister the other day to request the government’s support. What spurred us on to come up with the idea is the things we have encountered or stood witnessed to in the industry over the years. The recent abduction and assault of a leading Malayalam actress in Kochi was definitely a trigger to give it an organizational structure at the earliest.
Except in acting, representation of women in our film industry is remarkably low, especially in the technical area. It indeed is a serious issue. In any job sector, it is imperative that the fundamental rights of women are protected. Unfortunately, in our cinema industry, women are deprived of even the basis rights at workplace. I have come across film sets without facilities as basic as toilets for women. The same can be said about the rights of pregnant women in the film field. In an industry, where people work day in, day out, there is an urgent need to make concerted efforts to guarantee their rights.
Sexual violence against women in our industry are not isolated incidents. We need to find ways to provide a safe environment to female artistes. The assurance given by the chief minister that the government would offer help to do thorough background checks of people who are employed at shooting locations can be considered the first achievement of our collective. Steps should also be taken to ensure that female artistes remain safe even during their travels.
Women are more vulnerable to exploitation in the entertainment industry. Stringent legislation and penal measures are key to bringing change to the situation. Although film sets are covered under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, its effective implementation should be ensured. We have also proposed setting up of a redressal cell to deal with grievances related to sexual harassment.
Another major issue that calls for attention is pre-conceived notions about woman who choose a career in films. Lots of young and talented girls aspire to be a part of the industry, but their families are apprehensive about their future.
We need to encourage more girls to join the industry, especially behind the camera. We have plans to launch a program to help them choose the right path. Vast experience and expertise of trailblazers like Beena Paul will come in handy in guiding them. We are confident that such initiatives will also help change the deep-seated prejudices of the society.
In order to encourage more women to enter the industry, the collective has made an appeal to the government to provide subsidies for films with predominately female crew. It is a fact that women face gender discrimination in every area of the industry. The WCC will strive to secure equal opportunities and dignity and create a women-friendly atmosphere.
There are people who find it hard to swallow when women make inroads into top leadership positions in the industry. These are intolerant and narrow-minded souls who are unwilling to accept change or break the familiar mold. Prejudices are often borne out of such ignorance.
Women can succeed in their careers by doing things their way. It is not fair to ask them to imitate men. When women donning technical roles prove their mettle and earn recognition, we should make it a point to celebrate their achievements.
“You can judge a nation, and how successful it will be, based on how it treats its women and its girls,” is a famous quote by former US president Barack Obama. Families as well as job sectors have the responsibility to put these wise words into practice.
I’m certain that a film industry having peaceful and professional working atmosphere devoid of gender disparities would attract more and more women to come in without any fear. The new collective aims to function as a platform to guide and encourage them as well as address their concerns.
