In the weeks after revelations about Hollywood film producer Harvey Weinstein made headlines, film industries across the globe have started discussions about sexual predators within their realms. Media pundits have raised concerns about sexual assault in Bollywood, the Indian film industry, and Nollywood, the Nigerian film industry.
More than 50 women in Hollywood have come forward so far with statements alleging that Weinstein assaulted them, according to People Magazine. After actresses began sharing stories about being assaulted or harassed by Weinstein, women on social media began sharing their own stories of sexual harassment and assault under the hashtag, #MeToo The hashtag quickly went global, drawing stories from women within other film industries as well.
#MeToo campaign
One common point Hollywood actresses brought up as part of the campaign is that women have avoided speaking out in the past for fear of retribution, or were punished for attempting to do so. Many actresses in Bollywood and Nollywood have begun echoing those complaints, pointing out that poverty and victim-negative attitudes have further silenced women in India and Nigeria.
Bollywood actress Richa Chadda, who posted a story using the #MeToo hashtag, said the problem isn’t limited to a particular economic industry or geographic region.
“It is the culture of victim shaming, the culture of silence that is present everywhere, not just Bollywood,” she said in an interview with Reuters.
“It is glamorous to talk about Bollywood, but the problem is that girls (everywhere) are not treated equally and don’t feel safe. When you speak up, you risk losing your position, your career.”
In September, Bollywood director Mahmood Farooqui was acquitted of rape charges by the Delhi High Court, according to First Post. The court ruled that his rape of an American Fulbright Scholar wasn’t valid because a “feeble no” is the same as a “yes” according to the nature of women.
Earlier this year director Vikas Bahl was investigated for assault allegations and was not charged by the courts. Other actors accused of assault have retained their starring roles and positions in the community.
Sexual assault in Nollywood
On the fmovies program, "The Morning Call," aired Oct. 23, journalist Barbara Loundou held a segment discussing sexual assault in Nollywood in the wake of the Weinstein allegations.
“Some actresses have mentioned the subject, but very few have openly denounced the behavior,” Loundou said, adding that Actors Guild Nigeria recently elected a new director who promised to tackle issues of sexual assault in the industry.
“I have not received any (official) report about sexual harassment,” said Emeka Ejezie, president of Actors Guild Nigeria, in an interview with AfricaNews. He said he had no idea how many victims there were due to the silence around the topic. However, he guessed that women avoid speaking out to avoid being excluded from the industry.
