THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country, Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), an association for the welfare of women working in the entertainment industry, was formed on Thursday. The members of the forum visited Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan requesting government support.
“The objective of the WCC is to ensure gender justice in the industry. Most of the women working in the industry are denied even basic human rights. Our demands include formation of a redressal cell in film sets and bringing the industry under the purview of The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal Act, 2013,” said director Vidhu Vincent.
The unfortunate incident, where an actor was allegedly sexually assaulted in Kochi, was definitely a trigger, said actor Parvathy. “Earlier there was no forum to raise such issues. Gender equality is integral in creating a healthy society,” she said.
Parvathy said other associations in the industry were quite supportive of their decision to come up with a forum for women. “We are trying to claim our space, not trying to challenge the other organisations. It’s a pluralistic collective. First we want to spread an awareness about gender equality at workplaces and sensitise people working in the industry,” said Vidhu Vincent.
The Chief Minister assured the representatives of WCC of a committee to study the the issues faced by women in the film industry. The government will also take steps to prevent sexual abuse in the field.
A background check of the people employed at shooting locations should be done and the Police Department will provide all possible support, said a press note issued by the Chief Minister’s office.
Bina Paul, Manju Warrier, Parvathy, Vidhu Vincent, Rima Kallingal, Sajitha Madathil, Didi Damodaran, Fouziya Fatima, Remya Nambeesan, Sayanora Philip, Asha Achy Joseph and Indu Namboothiri were present.