Nirupama S.
Thiruvananthapuram: With the slogan “Ensure Gender Equality in Workplaces,” the ‘Oorali’ music band, a prominent presence in the cultural scene, concluded the ‘Sorry March’ in Thiruvananthapuram. The march, held at Manaveeyam Veedhi, was a call for the implementation of the recommendations of the Hema Committee report, which exposed gender discrimination and injustices in the Malayalam film industry. The march began in Thrissur on September 6th, protesting the delay in taking action against the accused and perpetrators, despite the release of the Hema Committee report.
The Sorry March also raised the demand for equal justice that should generally be available in workplaces.
“Many problems aren’t solved by just saying sorry. It’s essential to raise our voice against injustices. With this march, we are trying to initiate change and raise awareness, while apologizing to those who have been wronged over the years, including survivors,” said the artists of the Oorali band.
The demands of the Sorry March include:
- 1. Removing the accused from positions of power and conducting investigations,
- 2. Immediate arrest of those involved in POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses) cases,
- 3.Taking strict legal action against those who misuse power to protect criminals unlawfully
- 4. Ensuring legal aid and protection for survivors who speak out
- 5.Guaranteeing equal justice, wages, protection, and basic facilities in workplaces,
- 6.Taking action against those who attempt to silence or attack individuals who speak out about the abuse they’ve faced
- 7. Restructuring Kerala’s cultural policy in a way that upholds democratic values and allows for public participation in its revisions over time.
Along with these demands, a petition, including public opinions and suggestions, was submitted to the Chief Minister. Through the Sorry March, Oorali reminds us that the Hema Committee report should not be forgotten amidst the flood of news, and simply releasing reports is not enough; there must be a commitment to ensuring equal justice in the cultural sector.
