Actor Sanjjanaa Galrani Requests Formation Of Sandalwood Woman Artist Association Amid MeToo Uproar

Hema Committee Effect: It has been nearly a month since the findings of the report were first published. The 235-page report details the systematic abuse and sexual harassment faced by women artists in the Malayalam film industry. Following the findings, echoes for a similar document to be published across industries grew louder. Most recently, actress Sanjjanaa Galrani met with the Karnataka State Women's Commission for the formation of a women's artist association.

Actor Sanjjanaa Galrani seeks for women artist association 

Amid the ongoing controversy following the Justice Hema Committee report, actor Sanjjanaa Galrani met with the Karnataka State Women's Commission to request the formation of the "Sandalwood Woman Artist Association" (SWAA), which would focus on women's rights and safety in the industry. Speaking to ANI, Sanjjanaa said, "In the Kannada film industry, we don't have any independent body. From my foundation, Sanjjanaa Galrani Foundation, I have requested the formation of an independent body... so that newcomers entering the industry are aware of their rights and understand appropriate behaviour."

Earlier this month, Sanjjanaa took to Instagram to call for the formation of SWAA. Commenting on the establishment of a POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) committee for the film industry, Karnataka Women's Commission chairperson Nagalakshmi Chowdhary said, "This is the first time the film industry has had a meeting about forming a committee for women... It is a law that any organisation with more than 10 women must have a POSH committee. I have issued them a letter. They have 15 days to respond. A POSH committee will not hinder film production. If anyone faces harassment, they can approach the committee... The president of the film industry has agreed to it."

Develeopments in Mollywood following the Hema Committee expose 

Sexual assault allegations against prominent figures in the Malayalam film industry surfaced following the Justice Hema Committee report, which disclosed shocking details of crimes against women in the industry. Filmmaker Ranjith, actor and CPI(M) MLA Mukesh, and actors Edavela Babu, Baburaj, Jayasurya, and Siddique have been accused of various sexual harassment complaints. 
 

Filmmaker Ranjith, actor and CPI(M) MLA Mukesh, and actors Edavela Babu, Baburaj, Jayasurya, and Siddique have been accused of various sexual harassment complaints. The report, prepared by a three-member panel led by a former judge of the Kerala High Court and set up by the state government in 2017, was submitted to the Pinarayi Vijayan -led Kerala government in December 2019 and was made public only this month. The government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the challenges faced by women in the industry. 
(With inputs from agencies)