A strong society is one that stands firmly on a level ground. Such a ground is difficult to build especially when it involves uprooting deeply-embedded gender disparities. Over the years, many women have overcome tremendous odds to hack away at patriarchal structures and contribute to the flattening but, the ground is still vast and jagged. This unique conference is a step in this direction. It aims to catalyse a dialogue between women (and men) of different generations, geographies, demography and vocations who are separately leading small and large movements so that, they can come together to pursue their common goal of an ungendered world.
Despite significant structural and societal challenges, women in India have continued to overcome barriers achieving success, contributing to their fields and to the country. While stories of individual (s)heros are inspiring, there is also a growing realisation that for social, political and economic structures to change for women, a lot more is needed. This will happen when women and men pave the way for many women to experience equity in families, communities, companies and society. Mind sets and patriarchal beliefs that diminish the role of women are widespread and well entrenched.
They can change when alternative narratives can be shared in a constructive, non-judgemental, safe space. The Levelling is an annual conference that aims to highlight how India is slowly but definitively creating a level playing field for women across professions and vocations; in families and communities; in business and governance. Promising beginnings have been made on the gender parity front in India. They tend to get lost in the overwhelming challenges that also do exist. The Levelling is an effort to create a meeting ground where progress can catalyse collective action and gender parity can be the norm instead of the rare exception for India. The audience for The Levelling includes aspiring young women leaders, corporate leaders, policy makers, entrepreneurs and social change makers. The format of The Levelling is designed for intimate conversations with authentic engagement. The intent is to celebrate achievements and acknowledge the real hard work that is yet to be done. Promising beginnings have been made on the gender parity front in India. They tend to get lost in the overwhelming challenges that also do exist.
The theme for 2022 is ‘Parity’ focussing on how the path for women has been enabled in areas that are some of the hardest: Manufacturing, Armed Forces, Entertainment, Rural Development, Private Equity and Politics.