CEQUIN’s ‘Mardon Wali Baat’ Sparks Nationwide Change In Masculinity And Gender Equity

For generations, masculinity in India has been framed by dominance, aggression, and emotional suppression. But now, a transformative movement is rewriting the narrative. CEQUIN’s ‘#MardonWaliBaat – Unlearnt & Rescripted’ , a digital campaign is at the forefront of this change, challenging patriarchal norms and encouraging men to embrace empathy, vulnerability, and shared responsibility.

From metropolitan cities to rural villages, thousands of young men are engaging in discussions that were once unthinkable. Powered by a network of 44 micro-influencers, CEQUIN’s initiative is reaching homes, universities, and workplaces, prompting introspection and debate on gender roles. Harshit Pandey, an influencer from Lucknow, once conditioned to believe that masculinity meant emotional detachment, is a case in point. After being a part of the Mardon Wali Baat campaign and leadership journey, he engages peers on emotional intelligence. “For the first time, I feel I can openly talk about mental health without being judged,” he says.

Digital platforms are playing a pivotal role in the campaign’s reach and impact. Influencers such as Saurabh Jhulum (Mumbai), Amit Sagar (Delhi), and Shivam Dutt (Delhi) are using Instagram, YouTube, and other regional content hubs to share stories that challenge traditional notions of masculinity. A viral film made on the campaign, ‘Mardangi Reloaded,’ resonated with millions, illustrating how societal expectations confine men to rigid, stereotypical and harmful roles—and how they can break free and play their part to address gender based violence. These digital narratives are reshaping conversations around emotional well-being, fatherhood, and respect in relationships, in the home, workplace, public places and the digital world.

The campaign's influence extends beyond social media into households where gender roles have remained unchanged for generations. In Haryana and Rajasthan, young men are stepping up as champions of gender equality—encouraging fathers to share household responsibilities and supporting their sisters’ education.

Other gender experts from civil society organisations echoed CEQUIN’s message, that patriarchy harms men and boys too. Satish Kumar Singh, Senior Advisor, Azad Foundation emphasized that in a world where boys are being socialised into aggressive and violent masculinities, we need such initiatives to go beyond organisations, and focus on changing behaviours and attitudes, to help young men develop their identities in the real world.

Discussions around men’s mental health remain largely unspoken in India, but Mardon Wali Baat is bringing them to the forefront. The campaign collaborates with mental health experts like Dr. Amit Sen to highlight issues of anxiety, emotional repression, and toxic masculinity - where ‘compassionate curiosity’ is the need of the hour.

Actor and activist Rahul Bose emphasizes the need for this shift. “For too long, we have equated masculinity with silence. It’s time to redefine it—where courage is in vulnerability and power is in equality,” he says.

With over six million people impacted across Delhi-NCR, Haryana, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Mumbai, U.P and Rajasthan, CEQUIN’s campaign is not just a conversation—it is a movement. Sara Abdullah Pilot, Co-Founder & Chairperson of CEQUIN, underscores its significance, stating, “Mardon Wali Baat is about unlearning generations of biases and creating a society where equality is lived, not just talked about.”

Rohini Nilekani, Chairperson of Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies, echoes this urgency. “True change will come when men and boys see gender equity as their cause too. Mardon Wali Baat is not just about redefining masculinity; it is about reshaping our society for the better.”

Shombi Sharp, United Nations Resident Coordinator in India, highlights the global relevance of the movement, emphasizing that “Gender equality cannot be achieved without involving men. Campaigns like Mardon Wali Baat are crucial in building a future where equality is a shared responsibility.”

Lora Krishnamurthi Prabhu, Co-Founder & Managing Director of CEQUIN, adds, “We are witnessing a new generation of men willing to challenge outdated norms and embrace positive masculinity. This movement is about creating allies, not adversaries, in the fight for gender equity.”

As more young men step forward to challenge stereotypes and redefine masculinity, the campaign continues to grow, inspiring a future where strength is not measured by dominance, but by compassion and respect.

Founded in 2009 by Sara Abdullah Pilot and Lora Krishnamurthi Prabhu, CEQUIN (Centre for Equity and Inclusion) has been a leading force in gender equity, working to dismantle structural barriers that hinder women’s participation in public life. By engaging men and boys as allies, CEQUIN has facilitated meaningful change through initiatives like Mardon Wali Baat, which has touched the lives of over six million people across Delhi, Haryana, and Rajasthan. Through advocacy, community-driven programs, and digital activism, CEQUIN continues to shape an equitable and inclusive society where men and women share equal opportunities and responsibilities.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored article. All possible measures have been taken to ensure accuracy, reliability, timeliness and authenticity of the information; however Outlookindia.com does not take any liability for the same. Using of any information provided in the article is solely at the viewers’ discretion.