PAP SUMMIT
Disrupting Generational
patriarchal structures for a more equitable future.

WHAT IS PATRIARCHY
A Comprehensive Overview of Male Dominance in Society
Patriarchy is derived from the Greek term ‘patriarkhēs,’ which translates to ‘the rule of the father.’ It denotes a social system where men hold a disproportionate share of power across various sectors including social, economic, political, and religious domains.
- Ideology of Male Superiority
- Religious Justifications
- Impact on Women's Rights
- Social System of Male Control
- Male Dominance in Society
- Inheritance Practices
- Control Over Women's Lives
- Subordination Techniques
WHO WE ARE
Our Founder

LEHER SETHI
Founder
- ICUNR International Women’s Day Awardee 2014
- President, COWE Delhi Chapter (2023-2025)
- Director, Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojna (SAGY)
- Featured in Femina Magazine as “An Inspiration”
- Karmaveer Chakra Awardee (iCONGO & UN Partnership)
- Pentagon Excellence Awardee – 2021

Dr Sanjukta Basu
Co-Founder
- Lawyer, Journalist, and Feminist Researcher with 20 years of experience in the NGO sector.
- PhD in Women's Studies with focus area, Women's Safe Access to Internet, Online Trolling, Political Space and Spatial Justice
- One of India's earliest bloggers, featured amongst the top 50 women bloggers in India by Femina Magazine
- Won the TED Fellowship for Blogging and Digital Activism
- Won First Prize in Women's Web Beyond the Doors Photography Awards
- Awarded for Feminist Journalism by ICUNR
- Three-time TEDx Speaker and Guest Speaker at several Universities in India and UK including King's College London, London College of Communication and Northumbria University
Advisors on board
Advisors
Associated
to Paps Summit

Yogita Bhayana
Founder – People Against Rape in India (PARI)

Khurafati Nitin
Creative Director – GAAS Media
EVENT DETAILS
Welcome to PAPS Summit
2nd
APRIL
- 10:00 am
- India International Centre, Delhi
- 2nd April 2025
1
Explores the concept of marital rape, examining the legal definitions and societal perceptions surrounding consent within marriage. This includes the lack of legal recognition in many jurisdictions, leading to ongoing debates on women’s rights and the need for legal reform.
2
THE TROLLING SAGA: PATRIARCHY & MYSOGINY ONLINE
3
DIVERSITY IN THE WORKFORCE: NEW WORLD, OLD CHALLENGES
4
SELF STIGMA OF MASCULINITY: Emotional Suppression & Other Effects of Patriarchy on Men
5
BREAKING THE SILENCE AROUND SEXUAL HARASSMENT: The Perils and Pitfalls
6
PATRIARCHY IN CINEMA: Enforcing Toxic Stereotypes & Objectification of Women’s Bodies
Supporting the People Against Patriarchy Summit has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Seeing the impact of my contribution in fostering conversations on gender equality and inclusivity gives me hope for a better future.

Attending the People Against Patriarchy Summit was a life-changing experience. The discussions were powerful, the speakers were insightful, and the energy in the room was electrifying. A must-attend event for anyone passionate about gender equality!

This summit provided a safe space for critical conversations on dismantling patriarchy. The workshops and panel discussions were thought-provoking, and I left feeling empowered and hopeful for a better future.

SPEAKER NOTES
An Unforgettable Experience! A Must-Attend Summit!
WHAT IS PATRIARCHY
Understanding Patriarchy
Patriarchy is derived from the Greek term ‘patriarkhēs,’ which translates to ‘the rule of the father.’ It denotes a social system where men hold a disproportionate share of power across various sectors including social, economic, political, and religious domains.

Definition of Patriarchy
Patriarchy is derived from the Greek term 'patriarkhēs,' which translates to 'the rule of the father.' It denotes a social system where men hold a disproportionate share of power across various sectors including social, economic, political, and religious domains.

Social System of Male Control
In a patriarchal system, men dominate women and control significant aspects of society. This includes the distribution of wealth, political influence, and religious authority, which are often skewed in favor of men.

Ideology of Male Superiority
The ideology that underpins patriarchy asserts male superiority over women. It posits that women should be controlled by men and often views women as property or extensions of male authority.

Inheritance Practices
In patriarchal societies, inheritance typically follows the male line. This practice ensures that wealth and power remain within male lineage, further entrenching male dominance.

Religious Justifications
Many religious doctrines have historically supported patriarchal structures, promoting the idea that men are the rightful leaders and that women should occupy subordinate roles within both family and society.

Control Over Women's Lives
Patriarchal systems often confine women to the domestic sphere, controlling various aspects of their lives, from their roles in the household to their freedom in public spaces.

Impact on Women's Rights
The prevalence of patriarchy has significant implications for women's rights, leading to systemic inequalities that affect women's access to education, employment, and political representation.

Subordination Techniques
Patriarchy employs various techniques to keep women subordinate, including societal norms, legislation, and cultural practices that limit women's choices and freedoms.
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The Impact of Patriarchy on
Women's Advancement
Definition of Patriarchy
Obstacle to Women's Advancement
Women’s Participation in Patriarchy
UN Warning on Patriarchy
Threats to Women’s and Girls’ Rights
Context of the UN Commission Session
Challenges Faced
Current Threats to Women's Rights

Rising sexual violence in conflict globally

Remarks by UN Secretary-General António Guterres on patriarchy

The attack on women's rights through 'traditional values' by autocrats

Concerns about future rights for women and girls

The replication of power relations in digital technologies
Poverty and Women's Labor
Exploring the Intersection of Gender
and Economic Inequality

It is essential to recognize that poverty disproportionately affects women around the world, highlighting gender inequalities in economic opportunities and resources.

The unpaid domestic work that women perform, often overlooked, plays a crucial role in sustaining the economy. This includes child-rearing, elder care, and household maintenance.

Women generally have less access to land, natural resources, and financial assets compared to men, which exacerbates their economic vulnerabilities.
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Exploring the Hidden Costs of
a Patriarchal Society
01
Deep-seated Patriarchal Mentalities Despite progress in various fields, women in India still contend with deeply ingrained patriarchal attitudes that limit their potential and opportunities.
02
Internalized Patriarchal Norms and the Impact on self-worth Many men and women internalize societal norms that reinforce roles for both men and women. These specified for women impacts their self-esteem and belief in their capabilities, leading to a cycle of dependency. Once the patriarchy gets into our heads, it affects the way we perceive and judge our self, our relationships and the world we live in. Men could experience their vulnerability as weak and shameful, leading to a stifling of emotions, resulting in a disconnect from one's true self. It inadvertently harms the mental health of all genders and often leads to misogyny and toxic masculinity.
03
Barriers to Empowerment and Autonomy These patriarchal norms create significant barriers, restricting women's autonomy and empowerment, making it difficult for them to make choices about their lives.
04
Dictation of Roles Within Families and Gender Stereotyping Patriarchal structures often dictate men and women's roles within families, limiting women’s involvement in decision-making processes and reinforcing gender inequalities, stereotypes and biases. It also adds pressure on men to be providers.
06
Need for Education and Awareness Addressing these challenges requires a focus on education and awareness initiatives that empower all genders and challenge traditional norms.
07
Need for Systemic Change to Dismantle Patriarchy A concerted effort towards systemic change is essential to dismantle the entrenched patriarchal structures that perpetuate gender inequality in society.
Hidden Costs of a Patriarchal Society
Understanding the Negative Effects of
Patriarchy on Men

Patriarchy enforces strict emotional standards on men, which can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The societal expectation that men should be tough and stoic prevents them from expressing vulnerability, ultimately harming their emotional well-being.

The pressure to conform to patriarchal norms can hinder men's ability to form meaningful and intimate relationships. Men may struggle to communicate their feelings, leading to isolation and shallow connections with others.

Patriarchy restricts men's ability to express their true selves. Fear of judgment and societal backlash can cause men to suppress their identities, leading to internal conflict and a lack of authenticity in their lives.

Men often face immense pressure to succeed in their roles as providers and protectors. This performance pressure can lead to stress and burnout, further exacerbating mental health challenges.

The rigid norms of patriarchy contribute to a range of psychological issues among men. The inability to process emotions and seek help can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse or aggression.
Exploring the Hidden Costs of a Patriarchal Society
Strategies for Dismantling Patriarchy
Questioning Societal Foundations
To effectively dismantle patriarchy, it is essential to critically evaluate the societal norms and structures that uphold it. This involves recognizing how these foundations have been built on gender biases and perpetuate inequality, while understanding the historical context that has allowed these systems to thrive.
Unlearning Generational Teachings
Many individuals are unconsciously conditioned by generational teachings that support patriarchal structures. Unlearning these ingrained beliefs is crucial in order to foster a more equitable society. This process includes engaging in self-reflection and education to challenge personal biases and perspectives.
Challenging Cultures and Traditions
Raising Awareness of Inequities
Empowering Diverse Voices
Building Supportive Communities
Creating communities that support gender equity and inclusivity is essential. This involves fostering environments where individuals feel safe to express their thoughts, experiences and challenges related to gender issues. Support networks can help individuals navigate their journeys while advocating for equality.
Engaging in Activism
Active engagement in advocacy and activism is a powerful way to challenge patriarchy. Individuals can participate in marches, campaigns, and organizations that promote gender equality. This collective action can bring about significant societal change and inspire others to join the movement.
EVENT DETAILS
Celebrating Women Empowerment
2nd
APRIL
- 10:00 am
- India Habitat Centre Delhi
1
Explores the concept of marital rape, examining the legal definitions and societal perceptions surrounding consent within marriage. This includes the lack of legal recognition in many jurisdictions, leading to ongoing debates on women’s rights and the need for legal reform.
2
THE TROLLING SAGA: PATRIARCHY & MYSOGINY ONLINE
3
DIVERSITY IN THE WORKFORCE: NEW WORLD, OLD CHALLENGES
4
SELF STIGMA OF MASCULINITY: Emotional Suppression & Other Effects of Patriarchy on Men
5
BREAKING THE SILENCE AROUND SEXUAL HARASSMENT: The Perils and Pitfalls
6
PATRIARCHY IN CINEMA: Enforcing Toxic Stereotypes & Objectification of Women’s Bodies
Let's change the world, Join us now!
Be part of a transformative movement! The People Against Patriarchy Summit empowers voices, sparks change, and unites activists. Join us to challenge norms, inspire action, and build an equal future!