Kerala High Court Urges Intersectional Equality Law for Women in Entertainment

The Kerala High Court has emphasized the importance of incorporating intersectionality into equality legislation aimed at protecting women in the entertainment industry, noting that gender parity cannot be addressed through a simple male-female binary. The Court highlighted how women from marginalized groups, such as Dalit women or those from lower economic strata, face layered discrimination that must be considered in any legal framework. This call follows findings from the Hema Committee report, which pointed out workplace harassment, safety issues, and gaps in current laws like the PoSH Act. The Kerala Women's Commission and Women's Collective have advocated for special legislation to address the unique challenges women in the film industry face. Recent developments include the Kerala Film Policy Conclave, where public suggestions on the policy are being collected. The Court urged the government to reimagine equality laws to reflect the diverse realities of women, ensuring that intersectional discrimination is addressed effectively.