The Centre for Civil Society (CCS) is thrilled to bring back in-person programs in Mumbai with a Colloquium on Feminism, Gender Justice and Economic Freedom scheduled to take place on Sunday, the 5th of December, 2021.

The discourse surrounding Feminism and Gender Justice has gained increasing momentum as more institutional and social disabilities come to the fore. In this Colloquium, we will explore the philosophy and thought behind feminism vis-a-vis state and society, its relation with economic freedom and deliberate on the role of markets as a force for gender justice and inclusion. The Colloquium will also critically assess the popular notions of socialist-feminism. The works of authors like Suzanne La Follete and Deirdre McCloskey will be part of the Socratic Deliberation, among others.

What is a Colloquium?

A CCS Colloquium is an in-depth discussion centred on a chosen theme. The Colloquium provides participants with an opportunity to disentangle themselves from the distractions of everyday life to reflect on issues of fundamental and enduring importance. Through this program, we create an environment where participants are encouraged to contribute to the discussions by sharing their understanding of the Readings. The Colloquium is also an endeavour to develop innovative ideas and approaches for the advancement of liberalism today.

Unlike a conventional conference, where one lectures and the audience listens, participants at the Colloquium explore a specific theme together by discussing a common Reader (curated collection of Readings), that they read before the program. Their shared inquiry is guided by a moderator who encourages thinking, asks probing questions, keeps things moving, but does not indulge in one-way monologues, lectures and does not advocate their own personal biases and interpretation of the texts. The purpose of the discussions is not to convey doctrine or to drive home certain preconceived conclusions but to challenge participants to examine, refine, and develop their own ideas by engaging with others.

The discussions at the Colloquium follow a certain code of conduct. Participants are encouraged to listen attentively to the thoughts, concerns and questions of others to deepen their understanding of the issue and of each other.

How does it Work?

CCS will select 20 participants from a pool of applicants based on the merit of their application. All students, young professionals, policy enthusiasts as well as CCS' alumni are encouraged to apply.

The Colloquium reader will be shared with the participants two weeks prior to the date of the Colloquium. The reader is a set of articles, chapters from books, op-eds and blogs which are compiled together by CCS to articulate a flow in the reading. Participants are required to read and reflect on these texts carefully before the colloquium as it serves as the foundation for the discussions on the day of the program. Participants are responsible for the content of the discussions, thus the quality of the program depends entirely on their thorough preparation.