New Delhi: The National Commission for Women (NCW) has called for the complete release of the Hema Committee Report after it uncovered serious sexual abuse allegations within the Malayalam film industry.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the NCW highlighted troubling findings from the report, noting issues such as workplace harassment, gender-based discrimination, and various forms of exploitation affecting women in the industry.

"In response to these concerns, the NCW has taken steps to seek the complete Hema Committee Report, as it appears that only parts of it are currently available in the public domain. The Commission is committed to furthering its efforts in addressing these matters with the appropriate authorities to ensure that the rights of women are upheld and that a safe, equitable working environment is fostered within the industry," the press release stated.

On August 19, the Kerala government released the Justice K Hema Committee report, which examines the working conditions of women in Malayalam cinema. However, 63 pages of the 295-page report were blacked out before its release under the RTI Act.

Based on interviews with 51 industry professionals, the report exposes disturbing practices, including the prevalence of casting couches and inadequate working conditions. It details how harassment starts early, with women being pressured to make "adjustments" and "compromises"—euphemisms for sexual favours—to land roles.

"According to women in cinema, harassment starts from the very inception. It is revealed from the statements of various witnesses who were examined before the committee that the production controller or whoever gives an offer for a role in the cinema first approaches the woman/girl or if it is the other way and a woman approaches any person in cinema seeking a chance in cinema, she is told that she has to make "adjustments" and "compromise" to take her in cinema.

"Compromise" and "adjustment" are two terms that are very familiar among women in the Malayalam film industry and by doing so, they are asked to make themselves available for sex on demand," the report said.

The report also reveals that women often lack basic rights on set, such as access to toilets and changing rooms. Many are forced to change in secluded areas or manage without water and essential facilities during outdoor shoots.

Agencies