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CEQUIN’s ‘Mardon Wali Baat – Unlearnt & Rescripted’ Sparks National Dialogue on Redefining Masculinity and Gender Equality Empowering young men to challenge stereotypes, embrace empathy, and become allies in the fight for gender equity New Delhi, March 19, 2025: CEQUIN (Centre for Equity and Inclusion) and Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies hosted a groundbreaking National Conference on Men, Masculinities & Gender-Based Violence at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. Titled ‘Mardon Wali Baat: Unpacking Patriarchy, Gender Stereotypes & the Shaping of Indian Masculinities,’ the day-long conference brought together thought leaders, policymakers, activists, influencers, and practitioners to challenge gender norms, address patriarchal conditioning, and redefine masculinities in contemporary India. Rohini Nilekani, Chairperson, Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies, delivered the keynote address, setting the tone for urgent and inclusive conversations on gender equity. Shombi Sharp, United Nations Resident Coordinator in India, emphasized the importance of engaging men in gender discourse, while Sara Abdullah Pilot, Co-Founder & Chairperson, CEQUIN, and Lora Krishnamurthi Prabhu, Co-Founder & Managing Director, CEQUIN, welcomed speakers and delegates. The conference featured an impactful screening of ‘Mardangi Reloaded’, a digital campaign film showcasing the journey of 46 grassroots micro-influencers who have sparked a nationwide dialogue on positive masculinities through CEQUIN’s Mardon Wali Baat – Unlearnt & Rescripted campaign. Redefining Masculinity in Culture, Mental Health & Society A fireside chat with actor and activist Rahul Bose, moderated by Sara Abdullah Pilot, explored the portrayal of masculinity in cinema and its influence on real-world attitudes. Rahul Bose, reflecting on the evolving notion of masculinity, stated, “For too long, masculinity has been defined by dominance, aggression, and emotional suppression. It is time to rewrite the script—one where the strength lies in empathy, courage in vulnerability, and power in equality.” Dr. Amit Sen, mental health activist and Founder, of Children First India, engaged in a crucial discussion on men’s emotional well-being and mental health with Lora K. Prabhu. Addressing the intersection of patriarchy with governance, economy, and society, the session ‘Patriarchy and the Shaping of Samaaj, Sarkaar aur Bazaar’ featured prominent voices such as Professor Rajeev Gowda (Former MP & INC Spokesperson), Dilip Cherian (Political Campaign Advisor), and Anish Gawande (Author & NCP Spokesperson), in conversation with Sara Abdullah Pilot and Lora K. Prabhu. The conference spotlighted on-ground initiatives engaging men and boys in gender transformation, with experts such as Harish Sadani (MAVA - Men Against Violence & Abuse), Satish Kumar Singh (Azad Foundation), Yogesh Vaishnav (Vikalp Sansthan & Chair, MenEngage Alliance India), and Aleena Varghese (The Gender Lab) sharing their experiences. Digital Influence & Rewriting Masculinities The role of micro-influencers in reshaping narratives of masculinities took center stage in the session ‘Digital Duniya aur Mardangi - Positive Masculinities ki Recipes’, featuring youth influencers Saurabh Jhulum (Mumbai), Amit Sagar (Delhi), Harshit Pandey (Lucknow), Shivam (Delhi), and Harjot (Delhi). Their insights highlighted how social media can drive meaningful cultural change in regional and digital communities. A powerful pop-up performance, ‘Mard Kaun Hain Asli?’ by Vicky, added an artistic dimension to the discourse, bringing personal narratives and lived experiences to life. A Commitment to an Equitable Future