The Screen Writers Assocation (SWA) has released a statement of support to their member, writer-director and producer, Vinta Nanda. The statement says, “We have received a formal complaint from our member Ms. Vinta Nanda, and we are committed to ensure a fair investigation and to deliverance of justice. We stand in solidarity with all victims of sexual harassment and encourage them to speak up. As a Trade Union with more than 21,000 members, we believe that gender/sexuality based violence or discrimination is against the spirit of Article 21 of the Constitution of India, which espouses the basic Right to Livelihood for all Indian citizens. Thus, SWA upholds a zero tolerance policy towards such behaviour.”
The industry body’s statement also says that being an trade union, the SWA is governed by labour laws and a constitution. And it’s within that framework and beyond, that SWA’s Internal Committee will offer full support to any member who is facing such harassment /discrimination, irrespective of gender or sexuality. The statement continues, “Our Internal Committee is also working towards the creation of a meaningful policy agenda towards this end. We will also actively pursue effective programs that promote gender equality and gender sensitisation in our industry.”
The SWA has also urged other members experiencing gender discrimination or sexual harassment at workplace, to reach out at ic@swa.org. “We promise that you will be heard with all sensitivity, and your case will be dealt with swiftly, with complete confidentiality,” concludes the statement.
