Indian models unite to fight harassment

A model displays an outfit by Sheetal fashion house during a show called 'Mohabbat' (Love) in Bombay. AFP PHOTO/Sebastian D'SOUZA

Indian models display an outfit by designer Azeem Khan during a fashion show in Bombay, Famous designer of ethnic Indian embroidery. AFP PHOTO

NEW DELHI (AFP) ­ Indian models are forming a union to fight sexual exploitation and press for higher pay and better working conditions, a press report said.

About 100 female models working in India's fashion capital of Bombay have already signed up for "models united," initiated by fellow model Tinu Verghese, the Hindustan Times newspaper reported.

It quoted an unnamed top female model as saying that sexual exploitation was a major problem in the modelling industry in India.

"New girls are asked to drop by in the evening to discuss matters and they often end up losing assignments for having refused sexual favours," she said.

Former model Marc Robinson said a union was long overdue.

"The fashion industry will welcome it, though some designers and choreographers may not take kindly to it," he said.

The paper quoted an unidentified choreographer saying he had been dumped by models at short notice.

"What happens then?" he asked. "Models need to look within. They are constantly bitching and undercutting each other."

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