BS EDIT: Stark reality of gender inequality in India

By Business Standard Editorial CommentPublished On Aug 28, 2024

Progress and regression

While Indian workplaces now have more women, recent events in Malayalam film industry and Kolkata medic case reveal troubling setbacks in gender equality

Hema Committee report

The report exposes severe gender inequities, including pervasive sexual harassment and lack of basic facilities for women, in Malayalam film industry

Inadequate response

Initial recommendations were deemed insufficient, leading to public outcry and demands for the full report, which highlighted the industry's deep-seated misogyny

Broader implications

The issues raise concerns about gender equity across professions. Inadequate action in response to harassment complaints reflects systemic apathy

Lessons from 2012

The 2012 Delhi gang rape case led to stricter laws, empowering more women to report abuse. But the Hema Committee report shows a lot remains to be done

A wake-up call

The report underscores the distance India still needs to travel to ensure that women can achieve true social equality and security