India's Supreme Court Lifts Sexist Ban On Women Working As Make-Up Artists

Women In India Can Finally Work As Make-Up Artists

Women in India will finally be allowed to work as makeup artists after nearly 60 years of exclusion.

In ridiculously archaic guidelines from unions working within India's film industry, females were previously banned from taking on the role of makeup artist.

Women were allowed to work as hairstylists on film sets, but any who tried to apply make-up were threatened or even assaulted, according to the BBC.

In January 2013, nine women led by makeup artist Charu Khurana appealed to India's Supreme Court to lift the sexist ban after being refused work cards from the Cine Costume Make-up Artists and Hair Dressers Association (CCMAA).

According to The Indian Express, trade unions such as the CCMAA say the 59-year-clause was created to ensure men are not "deprived of work."

Thankfully, on Monday the court said it wouldn't allow this "constitutionally impermissible discrimination" to continue.

"We are in 2014, not in 1935. Such things cannot continue even for a day," it added in a statement.

Bollywood Style Evolution: 1920-2014

Close