Mar 29, 2021 / 17 SDGs

The Ungender Social

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Y-East in association with Offbeat CCU and the Twirl Store, organized The Ungender Social at Offbeat CCU on Sunday, March 7, 2021, the first edition of what is envisioned to be an annual, signature event designed to constructively break the gender-based taboos and prejudices while addressing the existent inequality between genders, promoting the idea of a world accepting of all gender identities and providing a platform to incite collective and collaborative dialogue and opportunities. Actress Swastika Mukherjee was present as the Chief Guest of the event.

The event was kick-started with an exhibition of some stunning, sustainable and women-led brands like Innere, Kshiti, Alna Sustainable Living, Clan Earth, Twirl Store and The Better Earthlings, witnessing a remarkable footfall that maneuvered effortlessly between shopping for sustainable clothing while taking delicious little breaks to try the tempting treats served by the foodpreneurs of the city like Foodkanvas, Cocopie, Badly Baked Girls and The Mint Enfold! The afternoon was packed with hour-long workshops that were open to all, based on a variety of subjects like the Art of DJing with the Gravit8 Studio, a Self Defense Workshop by RJ Arka of Combat Clan, an Art Workshop by Mohona Bhadra, Jewellery Making Workshop by Sukanya Majumdar and a Body Mobility workshop with Sapphire Creations. Following this, there were roundtable conferences that commenced with a welcome address by Pauline Laravoire and Sujata Chatterjee followed by a keynote speech from Chief Guest Swastika Mukherjee, an introduction and an opportunity for upcoming organisations and partners to present their initiatives to the audience. The different round tables that were organized comprised Genders in Arts in partnership with Sapphire Creations and chaired by Paramita Saha, Genders in Sports in partnership with Decathlon and chaired by Arshi Halim, Genders in Media in partnership with Radio Mirchi and chaired by Mirchi Mohor, Genders in Science and Tech in partnership with Realpactech and chaired by Madiha Ahmed, Genders in Business and Entrepreneurship in partnership with WICCI WB Sustainable Businesses Council and chaired by Dr. Nayan Mitra. The event concluded with the much loved Sublime Sunsets- Sunday Sundowner with DJ Antidote aka Urvashi Bhattacharya at Café Offbeat! Anchor- Ms. Bilkes Parveen.

The Ungender Social prompted positive change by productively shaping the debate to #Choosetochallenge the narrow and regressive gender narrative and break the glass ceiling while paving the way for a brighter future with equity and inclusion as its primary motto. The Ungender Social is all about celebrating humanity and the uniqueness of all instead of stereotypical, gendered boxes/categories. 

The Ungender Social, with Café Offbeat and Topcat CCU as the venue partners, was a unique, day-long endeavour that curated a diverse range of events that included workshops, dialogues, music, entertainment, food and even some very exciting sustainable shopping opportunities! This was just the beginning, Edition 2 of The Ungender Social Awaits.