Challenging stereotypes through panel discussions, conversations and art installations at this event on gender dynamics

What are the physical, intellectual and digital manifestations of gender dynamics within professions and workplaces? That’s the focus of Mind The Gap, a one day event that will see some eclectic personalities from different fields including art and culture, sports and social entrepreneurship talk about challenging gender stereotypes, trends and norms in the workspace. Ayesha Billimoria, track athlete, fitness trainer and Adidas Ambassador, who is one of the speakers at the event, says, “I chose to be a part of Mind the Gap so I could speak about the importance of fitness and sport in our daily lives, keeping in consideration the women who empower us on a daily basis through social platforms and sports. It’s important to start making women aware that the future of fitness and sports in India is female.” 

There will also be art and photography exhibits, music performances, stand-up comedy and film screenings including Boys of Safdarjung, by stylist and creative director Nikhil D and videographer Tsundue Phunkhang; a performance artwork by contemporary artist Princess Pea, and music by Ankur Tewari. The event is produced by Dysco, a professional networking app, website and community, in collaboration with MIXX, a platform that addresses gender issues through a curated range of products and experiences. Khrisha Shah, co-founder Dysco and Ruchika Parab, co-founder MIXX tell us more: 

What was the idea behind this event? 

Khrisha: It started with my thesis ‘Can Soap Operas be the Key to Educating More Girls? The Impact Of Entertainment Education on Gender Inequality in Schooling.’ It was based on research and case studies from India and Brazil. I remember that my gender studies classes at The London School of Economics and Political Science had 70-80 per cent female students and that always struck me as one of the primary challenges to finding viable long term solutions to bridging the gender gap — from schooling to the workplace. All genders should be represented if we’re discussing inclusivity.

At Dysco, we bring together talented and passionate people, brands, businesses, agencies and organisations together on a common platform. We’ve been noticing that a huge part of our growing community has voiced their opinion, showcased their work, and told us their stories of challenging gender stereotypes and inequality in their chosen professions. We want to help bring this likeminded community together, help them connect and learn from each other.

Ruchika: Our platform MIXX, is very fluid and constantly evolving. That’s what allows us to be simultaneously relevant in spaces as diverse as fashion, art and design, publishing and academia. But the one thing we’ve constantly maintained is that we’re about starting conversations around the ideas of gender equality. So what better way to start a conversation than bringing people together?

What are some of the biggest challenges when it comes to gender dynamics within the workspace?

Khrisha: I think lack of awareness and information, which stems from education and schooling, is one of the primary challenges when it comes to gender dynamics in the workspace. People aren’t as sensitive or conscious about the things they say or the choices they make — right from hiring, to how they treat employees and even when it comes to promotions. Safety and security are other concerns — people are afraid to voice their opinions, or stand up for themselves for fear of being ostracised, reprimanded or being unfairly treated. 

Ruchika: I believe, there are stereotypes that are so deeply entrenched, we barely realise they’re there. There are instances of mansplaining, paternity leave, pay gap, women taking career breaks to raise kids and often find it hard to make a comeback.

How did you curate the event? 

Khrisha: Our process of curation involves scouring those who are in our network, doing extensive research on their work and interests (across social media, mainstream media, websites and more), and speaking with influencers and thought leaders across industries. For this event, everyone who is participating is doing it because they truly support the cause, their work is very much in line with the theme of the event and they are passionate about facilitating a positive change. 

Ruchika: While curating this concept, we’ve kept a couple of things in mind — who are the voices we’d like to hear, whose perspectives are valuable to us? I guess Mind the Gap is our way of inviting them to one big party, the old school kind, where you met really interesting people and had really great conversation.

Mind The Gap will be held at WeWork, BKC, tomorrow, June 3 from 10am – 9pm.