Say No To Manels
“Manels” are panels (of three or more speakers) composed primarily or entirely of men. These panels could be virtual or in-person, part of conferences, seminars, or other events. The problem of ‘manels’ (and the term!) came to light in 2015 when Finnish researcher and artist Saara Sarma published hundreds of photos from countries around the world, of all-male panels on her Tumblr site. With the increasing prevalence of virtual events since 2020, the prevalence of ‘manels’ in India has also become more visible.
“Say No to Manels” is a campaign that seeks to bring people and event/conference organizers together to comprehend, confront, and change the conditions underlying the persistence of ‘manels’, primarily in the Indian work context. The effort has the mission of expanding speaking opportunities for women, transgender and non-binary experts and eventually, for other underrepresented groups as well (e.g. People with Disabilities, Dalits, religious minorities, etc.). Saying no to “manels”, is just one step in ensuring greater diversity and representation in public forums.
By signing the pledge, men and event organisers can reaffirm their commitment to more balanced representation and more inclusive, innovative and impactful events and discussions, where people from currently overlooked groups and identities have an equal opportunity to be heard.
Our Mission
The Pledge !
For Individuals
I pledge that I will only accept invitations to speak at gender-balanced panels (such as at virtual or in-person panel discussions, seminars, conferences, etc.).
That is, in any panel of three or more members to which I am invited, I will accept ONLY if there is at least one woman*, not counting the Chair/Moderator.
While conveying my decision to organizers, I will inform them of my pledge to “Say no to manels” and the reasons why I signed it.
I will suggest resources and names of individuals to make the panel more balanced, to the best of my ability.
* We affirm that transwomen are women.
For Event Organisers
We, as an organization, pledge to ensure that any event we organize (e.g. virtual or in-person panel discussions, seminars, conferences etc.) will be representative of the profession as well as representative of the audience it seeks to appeal to, in terms of gender.
While inviting speakers, we will ensure that any such panel of three or more speakers will have at least one woman*. We will make intentional efforts (e.g. consult with our networks and existing resources, as a start) to identify qualified speakers from different genders.
Further, we pledge to push for greater diversity, equity and inclusion of all individuals - from different backgrounds, genders, ages, religions, castes, functions, abilities and languages, and will make a special effort to seek speakers from historically underrepresented groups (e.g. women, Dalits, persons with disabilities).
* We affirm that transwomen are women.
Our Allies
Our Allies
About us
Aarti Shyamsunder
A work (organizational) psychologist and independent consultant (Psymantics Consulting), Aarti is a believer in the science-practice model and leverages art and science, analytics and storytelling, in her work on DEI, leadership and assessment.
Pooja Shahani
A diversity, equity and inclusion consultant and an executive coach, Pooja aims to collaborate with organizations and individuals to co-create authentic and inclusive experiences
Richa Singh
An organizational psychologist by training and a feminist at heart, Richa is deeply passionate about building equity at the workplace and in communities at large. Her interest lies at the intersection of social justice, gender and inclusion.
Surbhi Bajaj
A human capital consultant by profession, Surbhi is vocal about the need for fair and equal representation and inclusion of diverse groups at the work-place. She has consulted for large companies in India to help them in their inclusion journey.