This month, the Society of Gender Professionals invites you to join a gender cafe delving into the complex fabric of caste. In this discussion, we will explore the definition of caste, its operations through sexual and gender violence, and its intersectionality with other systems of marginalization. Drawing parallels to white supremacy, our panelists, Christina and Leena will examine caste from a diasporan perspective, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's positionality, specifically the ways our oppressor/oppressed identities intersect, and how we can use this awareness to challenge and disrupt these entrenched systems of oppression in the workplace. 

We will also create a space for attendees to brainstorm with peers about strategies to counter caste oppression in the workplace. 

The event is proudly co-organized by the SGP Ending Workplace Sexual Harassment Circle and the SGP Employment and Peer Support Circle. Join us and share about this gender cafe with colleagues and friends, too! 

Become a member of the Society of Gender Professionals at www.genderprofessionals.org/membership/. SGP is a fully volunteer-run nonprofit with a flexible, accessible dues structure. We strive to keep programming financially accessible for all and rely on membership dues to run operations. Yet, if the dues pose a barrier, please email us for a waiver at info@genderprofessionals.org.

About the panelists: 
~ Christina Dhanuja (she/her) is a researcher by academic qualification, a strategy consultant by experience, and an external relations professional. Over the last ~14 years, she has held multiple roles in India, China, Singapore, and the Netherlands, working with a diverse set of stakeholders in government, business, and development sectors. 

Christina is also the co-founder of the #DalitHistoryMonth project and has published on intersectional discourses between caste, gender, religion, race, sexuality, and mental health. She is currently working on her first non-fiction book on Dalit women and the fullness of life.  

~ Leena Sharma Seth (she/her) is a settler, based in Canada, who is cisgender, heterosexual, able-bodied, and a child of hindu, punjabi, and brahmin (caste privileged) immigrants from India. As the Founder of Mending the Chasm, a consultancy focusing on equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging, Leena brings intersectional experiences to her work as a facilitator, strategist, conflict transformation expert, and inclusion advisor. 

Leena is a trained community mediator and past Board Member for Community Conflict Resolution Services of Halton. She is committed to examining tensions within South Asian communities and facilitating anti-oppression work, including co-creating the Asian Womxn Healing Collective and leading a book club focused on dismantling caste oppression.