WCC Delegation, Including Rima Kallingal And Revathy, Meet Kerala CM To Discuss Hema Committee Recommendations

WCC Delegation Meets Kerala CM to Discuss Hema Committee Report: Members of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) met with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to discuss the follow-up actions related to the Hema Committee report and express their views on the state's evolving film policy. The WCC delegation included prominent figures such as Didi Damodaran, Rima Kallingal, Beena Paul, Revathy, and Asha Achy Joseph, and the meeting took place at the Chief Minister's office.

During the meeting, the WCC stressed the importance of protecting the privacy of those who testified before the Hema Committee. They highlighted concerns that privacy could be compromised under special investigations into complaints of sexual harassment within the film industry. The delegation emphasized the need for the government to ensure that women working in the film sector have proper facilities on set and urged the Chief Minister to implement the recommendations made by the Hema Committee.

WCC Advocates For Code of Conduct and Employment Contracts

The WCC has been vocal in advocating for structural changes within the Malayalam film industry, calling for the enforcement of a code of conduct to prevent sexual harassment. They have also pushed for mandatory employment contracts in all film jobs, which would include provisions to safeguard workers, particularly women. These contracts, the WCC believes, would help create a safer and more accountable working environment.

After the meeting, Rima Kallingal commented on the collaborative approach they are taking with the government, aiming to resolve the challenges faced by women in the industry. She expressed optimism about the ongoing discussions.

The WCC had earlier tasked members Anjali Menon, Padmapriya, and Geethu Mohandas with studying the Hema Committee report in detail. The recommendations drawn from their analysis have now been submitted to the government for consideration. The Justice Hema Committee was initially appointed by the Kerala government at the WCC's request to address the systemic issues faced by women in the film industry.