Raima Sen, who recently made an appearance in Bastar: The Naxal Story, has not experienced harassment in the profession, but she does feel uncomfortable as a woman. Recently, actor Ritabhari Chakraborty sparked a new debate on the ongoing issue of women’s safety, stating that sexual abuse and harassment are as common in Bengali cinema as they are in other professions. In response to Chakraborty’s statement, actor Raima Sen, who has worked in both Bengali and Hindi movies, says, “I am sure it is happening in all industries.” I haven’t dealt with it [problems involving women’s safety], so I can’t remark on it. But the conclusion to all of this is the same.”
Sen goes on to say that she wants people to focus on the greater topic, which goes beyond Bengali cinema and the #MeToo movement. “Strong legislation to safeguard women are currently a top concern. The #MeToo movement occurred in India, but nothing resulted from it. “The only way to stop rapes is to impose harsher punishments, even for ‘lesser offences,'” she claims.
While Sen, who recently appeared in Bastar: The Naxal Story, has not experienced abuse in the workplace, she admits that she often feels unsafe as a woman. “Sexual harassment exists everywhere. “There’s no point in pulling off another #MeToo,” Sen adds, frustrated with the ongoing pattern of institutional assault. “Women need to feel safe,” she says.
The actor also emphasizes the importance of involving women in the development of legislation and laws relating to women’s protection. “In India, only women can make laws to safeguard women. Women will be unsafe as long as men write rules for them. It makes no difference whatever state or politician is involved. Rapes occur all around the country, and they are all handled poorly in each state. “We need intelligent female legislators and intellectuals to shape the law, which will then be implemented by the government and judicial systems,” she concludes.
