Mumbai: 'You should understand that women in India have had a journey for centuries. From the 16th to the 21st century, they progressed, but they were also suppressed. Women have been a paradox of progress and suppression in India, just like India itself has been.' These words were said by Bollywood veteran Shabana Azmi while talking to the media at the International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA). Referring to the report of the Justice Hema Committee, which brought to light the sexual harassment of female artists in Malayalam cinema, Shabana spoke openly on the status of women in society. The Justice Hema Committee was formed by the Kerala government after the Women in Cinema Collective filed a petition in response to the attack on an actress in 2017. The committee documented the challenges faced by women working in Malayalam cinema. The committee was headed by retired Kerala High Court judge Justice K Hema. It also included veteran actress Sharada and retired Indian Administrative Service officer KB Valsala Kumari as members.

The Justice Hema Committee report has created a storm in the Malayalam film industry as well as various film industries in India, demanding action to investigate the harassment and exploitation of female actors. After the Hema Committee report, many women came forward and made allegations of sexual harassment against well-known personalities of Malayalam cinema. Many celebrities in Bollywood including Ananya Pandey, Swara Bhaskar, Guneet Monga, Ekta Kapoor, Tanushree Dutta, Lakshmi Manchu, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Tovino Thomas and Parvathy Thiruvothu have reacted to this report. Now Shabana has also joined this list.

This is the second such protest after Me-2

Let us tell you that even before this, after the 'Me-2' movement, Bollywood actresses had spoken in support of women. During this campaign, many actresses came forward and openly told about the incest that happened with them. Now the report of Justice Hema Committee has also started a similar debate. Women from the film world are also openly supporting this matter.