A Grand Call for Change: Shwetha Menon Champions Fixed Hours for Women in Cinema

A seismic shift is brewing within the vibrant, yet often demanding, world of Indian cinema, spearheaded by none other than AMMA President (in charge of women's affairs), Shwetha Menon. In a move that champions fairness and welfare, Menon is passionately advocating for a groundbreaking reform: the implementation of fixed working hours for women artists in the film industry.

This pivotal call isn't just a suggestion; it's a resonate echo of the Supreme Court's recent observations on the imperative need for proper working conditions for women, signaling a new era of responsibility and respect.

For too long, the glitz and glamour of cinema have masked a harsh reality for many women: unpredictable, often grueling, schedules that stretch late into the night.

Shwetha Menon's initiative directly addresses these profound challenges. "Most women who work in the film industry, especially those with families and children, face immense difficulties with these erratic work hours," Menon points out, highlighting a struggle that resonates deeply with countless female professionals across the sector.

Imagine the juggle: an actress, perhaps a mother, wrapping up a shoot at 3 AM, only to face an early morning school run, or a technician, traveling alone in the dead of night, grappling with safety concerns.

The current system, while sometimes creatively necessary, often overlooks these fundamental human needs. "While men may manage, for women, these late hours bring significant challenges, particularly concerning their children's care and their personal safety during commutes," Menon adds, painting a clear picture of the disproportionate burden placed on women.

Menon draws a compelling parallel to the IT industry, a sector that has successfully integrated fixed working hours and robust safety protocols for its female workforce.

"If the IT industry can implement specific working hours and ensure the safety of its female employees, why can't the film industry?" she questions, proposing a model of professionalism that prioritizes well-being without compromising creativity. This vision aims to foster an environment where women can thrive professionally while maintaining a healthy work-life balance, a concept that has long been elusive in the entertainment sphere.

The discussions are already underway within AMMA, indicating a collective will for change.

Beyond fixed hours, the dialogue extends to other crucial issues impacting women in cinema, including the perennial fight for equal pay and the establishment of an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) as mandated by the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act. These comprehensive reforms aim to create a truly equitable and secure ecosystem for all women involved in filmmaking.

By striving for fixed working hours, Shwetha Menon and AMMA are not just seeking to ease logistical burdens; they are pushing for a fundamental cultural shift.

This bold move promises to elevate the professional standards of the industry, enhance the safety and well-being of its female artists, and ultimately, pave the way for a more inclusive, balanced, and respectful working environment for generations of women to come. It's a progressive step that could redefine the very fabric of Indian cinema.