Manel

A couple of weekends ago, I attended an award function organised by AESA (Architects, Engineers and Surveyors Association) Pune, which is in it's 50th year of existence. Though we're not members of AESA, my colleague Pooja decided to send in a couple of entries for the awards and our entries looked quite impressive. We didn't win though, and that's all right. Who knows what the jury of that time, that composition and that situation might be looking for? But I do have another problem with the jury featured below and consequently, the organisation itself.

A modern day Manel

Do you see it? A perfect example of what is popularly known as a Manel - An all male panel. Personally, I have nothing against any of the individual jurors. They might be nice human beings, and I've interacted with a few of them in the past. But together, they symbolise a glaring problem in the professional world- An under representation of women. This organisation- obviously started by a few young and idealist men fifty years ago has grown into a well known and respectable not for profit organisation. Memberships have been open to all genders and I'm sure there are many wonderful women who are part of the organisation, though they were close to invisible during their event. The profession of Architecture is very egalitarian and has had a lot of female professionals who have been working for quite a while now but their visibility and representation in key affairs is still a problem. When it comes to organisation such as these which involves giving time beyond work, many women cannot be a part of it because they have another job(s) waiting for them at home- management of the household, children, spouses, parents or even grandparents. Men, however can shirk off home responsibilities easily. And In most cases without getting any flak from their families. This has turned managing committees of organisations such as these into old boys clubs. Nothing against it. In fact this boys club may even welcome women on their panels, but most women are reluctant to want to infiltrate these clubs and break the glass ceiling. Mostly because it involves tremendous amounts of emotional work and sacrificing one's peace of mind. So what can they do about it? Make it easier for women to join and be a part of important decision making. Keep events based on when it's more convenient for parents to be present. Don't relegate young girls wearing sleeveless kurtas to doing menial jobs like bring trophies on stage (Maybe get young, well dressed men to do it too. After all, equality is what we strive for.) Invite senior women architects to be a part of the organisation and jury even if they aren't members of the organisation. There are enough capable and experienced women professionals out there. In fact, the older and experienced a women is, the easier it is for her to dedicate time towards such pursuits, having been freed of being the primary person responsible for children, parents and home management.

I admit that I'm quite the hypocrite when it comes to making extra effort to break the glass ceiling. Instead of actively being a part of these organisations (many of which will welcome me and let me rise through their ranks too) I tend to spend my time and energy doing what I really like rather than fight the set system. I used to think that doing what I like and ignoring the boys club was my way of fighting the system. However, I do think I'll participate in similar events in the future if not join such organisations. Representation in any way and form is what matters after all. Baby steps.