Women In Collective Cinema Members Face Cyber Attack After Setting Mollywood's MeToo In Motion

The Women in Collective Cinema is the organisation behind the formation of the Justice Hema Commitee which ultimately led to the #Metoo storm in Mollywood. The organisation forced the government to set up committee to probe into the sexual assault cases faced by women on film sets. Following the findings of the report being made public, the organisation is getting appreciation for their determined efforts. However, the body has now claimed that its members have fallen victim to cyber attacks as they have decided to support victims of assault.

Women In Collective Cinema claims its members have been facing cyber crimes

The governing body took to its social media account to share that its members are facing cyber attacks for standing in solidarity with the victims of assault in Mollywood. The post began with a quote by the late American writer and civil rights activist James Baldwin. “The victim who is able to articulate the situation of the victim has ceased to be a victim: he or she has become a threat,” the statement read.

It continued, “The Hema Committee Report, which came out after four and a half years of effort, has raised numerous complaints and issues regarding the existing labour structure in the film industry. Among these, it also mentions sexual allegations. Our aim is to create opportunities for work, to establish dignity for women, and to foster a more favourable environment for women at the workplace. We extend our salutations to all the women who, without any backing, have courageously stood in the public sphere, openly addressing the issues in their workplaces.”

It further read, “The report is creating a significant ripple effect both in Kerala and beyond. However, a message to those who expressed their happiness and support when the report was released. Now comes the time of cyber attacks against us. Fake accounts on social media are being created en masse. Character assassination is a tactic that the patriarchal society has always used to mentally break down women who speak out. We will continue to move forward, confronting this legally. To all those who rely on such unethical practices, attempting to tear us down. We thank you! For making us stronger! For continuing to make us stronger!,” it stated.”

What is Women in Collective Cinema- the cornerstone in Mollywood's #MeToo movement 

Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) was registered as a society on November 1, 2017. In its initial years, the foundation focused on dealing with sexual harassment cases within the industry. Their basic approach in handling any harassment case consists of four steps. WCC seeks to create awareness about gender bias and exploitation faced by women, both onscreen and off-screen. WCC has become a support group where women can share their untold experiences.
 

Following the incident, WCC became a strong advocate to seek justice for the atrocities faced by women within the film industry. On the basis of their complaints, the Kerala government then established the Justice K Hema Committee, which included senior actress Sharad and retried IAS officer KV Valsalakumari to investigate issues faced by women professionals.