The Hema Committee has revealed alarming conditions faced by women in the Malayalam film industry, exposing the denial of even basic human rights on film sets. According to the committee's findings, women are often deprived of essential facilities like toilets and changing rooms, particularly during shoots in remote outdoor locations.
Almost all the women who testified before the committee reported the absence of toilet facilities or changing rooms on set. As a result, female crew members are forced to find secluded spots in forests, behind bushes, or large trees to relieve themselves. In some cases, colleagues hold up clothes to provide privacy while others change clothes or pass urine. Additionally, water is often unavailable at these sites, compounding the difficulties faced.
Women in the industry endure even greater challenges during their menstrual periods, as they struggle without access to water or proper facilities to change or dispose of sanitary napkins. Many women are forced to withhold the urge to urinate for extended periods, leading to urinary infections and other health issues.
One junior artist shared a shocking experience with the committee where she was denied permission to use the toilet by the production unit, simply because it was a “10-minute walk” to the nearest facility. On several occasions, women have ended up in hospitals due to these conditions.
Some producers claimed that caravans are provided on set for women’s use, despite the high cost. However, multiple artistes disputed this, pointing out that caravans are typically reserved for heroes and heroines, and other women are often not allowed to use them. Even when a single caravan is provided for general use, it is insufficient, as the tank quickly overflows, leading to clogging and rendering the toilet unusable.
The Hema committee report notes the response by a “prominent” actor in this issue to point out the apathy of men in cinema about these horrible work conditions for women. The said actor remarked that women have been working in cinema for many years, managing to push through without complaints. He suggested that they have always found ways to adjust to the situation—by going to nearby houses or other convenient places where clothes are held up for privacy while changing or urinating. Therefore, he argued, the lack of toilet facilities on set should not be taken seriously, as it is simply a matter of adjustment for women in the industry.
