17 March,2017 05:38 PM IST | | Mohar Basu
Close on the heels of TVF fiasco, Bollywood actress Taapsee Pannu launches sexual harrasment helpline for media and entertainment industry to assist women in the domains of harassment and distress
Taapsee Pannu
Taapsee Pannu
After Pink (2016), Taapsee Pannu emerged as the face of firebrand women, who refuse to cower and condone wrongdoings. Staying true to her on-screen image, the actress has launched a helpline to assist women in the domains of harassment and mental distress. The effort seems well-timed given recent molestation allegations by ex-employees of The Viral Fever (TVF) against founder-CEO Arunabh Kumar.
A set of professional counsellors has been roped in to provide assistance to the complainants/victims. Calls to the helpline number (01149694998) will be answered by trained executives, who will redirect them to a counsellor. Redressal committees at regional levels have also been instituted to facilitate the process. The initiative has been taken by Event and Entertainment Management Association.
Helpline curator Sabbas Joseph tells mid-day, "We wish to create an environment where women can deliver to their full potential. Women in advertising, media, and entertainment are both role models and influencers. It is a positive step towards making lives of working women a little easier."
Though Taapsee isn't clear about her opinion on the ongoing TVF controversy, she feels the helpline will go a long way in creating better workplaces. She says, "It is a profound initiative for all working women, especially in the events, entertainment and media industry. It is not just a step towards making the working environment safe for women, but also in making the world a better place."