Vineeth Vasudevan has strong opinions when it comes to women empowerment. His films generally talk about social situations and how change can be brought about. Vineeth tells us his thoughts on women empowerment. In conversation with Vineeth…
What prompted you to make a film on women?
This film was made for a competition. One of my friends who is now 29 is even now taking medication for UTI. This is because she never went to toilets as a young child. Maybe because of hygiene or other issues. I have many friends with this kind of problem. This struck me and made me realise that many women are going through this as there are no clean public toilets everywhere. Metro cities may have them, but majority of places don’t have clean public toilets for women. This is a huge problem if you actually think of it. Ask the working women at the ground level and they will relate to it. Women friendly toilets are the need of the hour. I hope this issue is dealt with some more seriousness.
What is women empowerment according to you?
It all starts from the very home you are living in. We are trapped in patriarchy. Our minds are conditioned that way. Man is not doing a favour. Women should themselves come forward and work in various fields and should show her representation. They are capable and should know their abilities. Women are not just limited to kitchen or homes. This mind-set should change.
In your life, could you relate to any instances where women were either celebrated or oppressed?
Just yesterday I spoke to woman, who was talking about oppression in the film industry. Men in the industry creatively dominate you. The industry is male-centred. So many women are oppressed here. Intellectually too they are put down, this is very depressing. Even when a woman does something for which she is supposed to recognized, we see that the male members are hailed.
Tell us about personal women icons who made a difference to the society or to you ?
This is a difficult question for me. I have met so many women in different fields and I have been influenced by them. All women are icons by themselves. We should try to know from where they are coming, the problems, social dilemma’s they faced to reach where they are today. But if I were to take names I really appreciate writers like Sarah Joseph, Madhavi Kutty. Their works have influenced me. Woman cricketer Mithali Raj, I am fascinated by her play. She is brilliant but has not got recognition like Virat Kohli. New Zealand PM, a wonderful lady who worked brilliantly on Covid situation.
How should society go about enabling women to be empowered?
Everything today is determined by the male perspective. This should change. Women should have the freedom to design their own world. They have the calibre and let them do what they have to, without the men interfering or giving opinion. This change will cause major change.
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