Shashi Tharoor on 'Something Wrong with Indian Men' Amidst Mollywood #MeToo

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has expressed strong concerns about the prevalence of sexual assault against women in India, particularly highlighting the recent #MeToo allegations surfacing in the Kerala film industry, known as Mollywood. He states that there's a serious problem with the "overall attitude in Indian society" and that "there must be something wrong with Indian men" if such incidents continue to occur. He believes that tackling this issue requires addressing the root cause of this societal problem, specifically the "degradation" of Indian society.

• Tharoor emphasizes the need for "serious gender sensitivity instruction" for boys at a young age, drawing inspiration from a conversation with the late Delhi Chief Minister after the Nirbhaya tragedy.
• He advocates for systematic change to prevent future tragedies and avoid the cyclical pattern of shock, outrage, and subsequent complacency.

Tharoor's Praise for Kerala Women and Criticism of AMMA

While acknowledging the disappointment associated with the allegations, Tharoor praises the women of Kerala for standing up and exposing these issues, making Kerala a frontrunner in the #MeToo movement in India. He credits his upbringing in a household of strong women with shaping his perspectives on gender equality.

• Tharoor criticizes the ruling CPIM for delaying the release of the Justice Hema Committee report for five years, which exposed the systemic sexual assault issues in the Mollywood industry.
• He acknowledges the resignations from AMMA, the Association of Malayalam Movie Actors, but emphasizes that these are not sufficient actions, stating that the resigned individuals presided over a system that allowed such incidents to occur.

Need for Change in Indian Men's Attitudes

Tharoor underscores the need for fundamental changes in the attitudes of Indian men to address the pervasive issue of sexual assault. He believes that this problem is deeply ingrained within Indian society and calls for a collective effort to break free from this deeply rooted social issue.

• He stresses the importance of providing women with safe spaces in workplaces, highlighting the need for basic facilities like restrooms and areas for rest, not only in hospitals but also on film sets.
• He emphasizes that men who invade women's safe spaces should face severe punishment, deterring future misconduct and reinforcing respect for women's boundaries.

Tharoor on the Importance of Independent Forums

Tharoor emphasizes the need for an independent forum outside the existing industry structures for women to report future complaints. He recognizes that the Vishaka Committee recommendations and company-level sexual harassment committees may not be sufficient, particularly when the industry itself is complicit in perpetuating abuse.

• He stresses the vulnerability of women who may feel pressured to tolerate sexual assault due to the need for employment, income, or career opportunities.
• He advocates for creating a system where women are empowered to report abuse without fear of repercussions, ensuring their safety and protecting their rights.

Tharoor's Call for Systemic Change for Gender Equality

Tharoor's statements highlight the urgent need for addressing the issue of sexual assault in India, particularly focusing on the need to shift the attitudes of "Indian men" towards women. He emphasizes the need for systemic changes to promote gender equality and create a safer environment for women in all spheres of life, particularly in workplaces.

• Tharoor calls for comprehensive education on gender sensitivity, starting at a young age, to foster a culture of respect and understanding.
• He believes that addressing this issue requires a collective effort from society at large, including government institutions, industry bodies, and individuals, to create a more just and equitable society.