2 cents on Nepali Manels .. I mean Panels
I will update the story as needed
With COVID 19, there has been a massive increase in virtual webinars and panels, whether that’s business keeping their customer informed on how they are dealing during this time or organizations staying engaged with stakeholders. And understandably so. But this does not justify the lack of a diverse set of panelists to have a robust discussion with accurate representation.
These manels are a clear reflection of the institutions and working culture in Nepal where people in power (majority men) knowingly or unknowingly gatekeeping women from not only participating in these events but also in real life.
Picture from @manelwatchnp
With access to so much information and network, having a manel (panel with only men panelists) just seems incredibly lazy. It also shows that the event coordinator is either 1. not well paid so does not care about helping find the best panelist or 2. incompetent 3. fails to see the value in their panel and how this could potentially inspire people.
It’s also incredibly shocking to me that women’s day is celebrated every year yet organizers fail to bring women experts while hosting panels on different topics.
Stop tokenizing women when Nepali women make for 50.4% of the total population.
Also, what about your audience? Without accurate representation, how can we inspire girls to aim higher? Are we just pushing girls to go to school to get their masters so they are suitable for marriage? What about women from marginalized communities? What are we teaching our young men and women?
Having hosted multiple webinars and virtual events, it’s not that hard to find women panelists. Especially in such a small country like Nepal where everyone seems to know everyone. And people are so excited to help and share their knowledge when asked.
If you are having a hard time finding a woman expert, @bojubajai has started the “Balance the Panel” initiative where they are creating a crowd-sourced database of Nepali women, and gender minorities who are breaking ground in their respective fields.
