The discussion, featuring business leaders, filmmakers and police officials, focused on how seemingly harmless comments, stereotypes and “microaggressions” reinforce unequal power structures. | Photo credit: Special arrangement
Everyday sexism is often hidden behind humor, unsolicited advice and casual remarks, but its cumulative impact pushes women into silence, self-censorship and withdrawal from workplaces and public spaces, they said on Saturday (9/9).
Featuring corporate executives, filmmakers and police officials, the discussion focused on how seemingly innocuous comments, stereotypes and “microaggressions” reinforce unequal power structures and create an emotionally dangerous environment for women.
Director General of Police, Telangana Women Safety Wing, Charu Sinha, said women often modify their behavior and speech to fit into a male-dominated environment. “When a woman goes quiet, it’s often a response to the environment, not her personality,” she said, recalling her experiences navigating deeply hierarchical police spaces during her early career.
The panel highlighted that sexism today is rarely overt but embedded in everyday interactions – from embarrassing jokes and dismissive interruptions to meetings, to assumptions about women’s abilities, choices and appearance. Speakers noted that humor is often used as a weapon to normalize misogyny while allowing perpetrators to hide behind the “I didn’t mean it” claim.
Film director Sailesh Kolanu said that cinematography and language significantly influence societal attitudes, and conversations about gender sensitivity can prompt filmmakers to approach female characters and stories with greater awareness and responsibility. Sharath Chandra, co-founder of Telugu digital content platform Chai Bisket, emphasized that many sexist behaviors are deeply normalized and require men to “unlearn” fitness absorbed by generations.
“We not only have to learn new things, but also unlearn years of behavior we’ve seen growing up,” he said, adding that movies and storytelling can subtly reshape public attitudes toward women.
Business leaders on the panel said many workplaces still struggle with tokenism and unconscious bias despite diversity initiatives. Sailaja Josyula, global head of GCC service line at Cognizant, said women are often judged more on appearance and behavior than on professional competence. She noted that women are often interrupted, overlooked in meetings, or the subject of comments about their dress, tone or marital status.
She highlighted how women are routinely subjected to comments disguised as concern or compliments, pointing to common assumptions in workplaces and social settings, including decisions that are made on behalf of women without directly asking them. “The biggest thing is – don’t make decisions on behalf of women. They have their own choices,” she said.
Masoor Hussaini, managing director of Tata Advanced Systems, spoke about efforts to increase women’s participation in the manufacturing and aerospace sectors. He said the employment of rural women has transformed not only the workplace but also their social status and financial independence.
“One degree in education and employment can completely change the trajectory of a woman’s life,” he said.
Several speakers emphasized that gender sensitivity must start at home and boys must learn emotional awareness, shared responsibility and respect for women’s autonomy. The panel also discussed how patriarchal attitudes affect women’s access to education, financial independence and career choices from a young age.
A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the importance of creating emotionally safe workplaces where women can speak freely without fear of ridicule, dismissal or backlash. Panelists challenged leaders to actively challenge sexist jokes, ensure women are heard in meetings, and consciously create an inclusive environment.
The discussion was closed by speakers who emphasized that change starts with small behavioral corrections and open conversations. Panelists said awareness, responsibility and representation in the media, workplaces and families remain essential to eliminating deep-rooted gender bias.
Published – May 9, 2026 1:37 PM IST
