#WomeninBoym

Women in Public Debate – A Guide to Organising Inclusive and Meaningful Discussions

On the occasion of International Women's Day, we warmly invite you to read our guide to good practices: "Women in Public Debate – A Guide to Organising Inclusive and Meaningful Discussions."

  Pobierz ten materiał w  PDF

Instytut Boyma 10.03.2025

 

Introduction

Modern public debate requires diverse voices to provide a fuller picture of reality and enhance the quality of discussions. Unfortunately, women remain underrepresented in expert panels, media, and public debates. Their perspectives, experiences, and knowledge are not always taken into account, which diminishes the quality of dialogue.

This guide aims to help organizers of debates, panels, and events create more inclusive discussions where women have a real space to voice their opinions. It includes practical tips on assembling diverse panels, building expert resources, and eliminating barriers that hinder women’s active participation in public debates. Event organizers, moderators, and participants play a key role in promoting best practices and creating a space where every voice is heard and respected.

This guide was developed in collaboration with WICCI’s India-EU Business Council, a networking platform for women in business: https://indiaeuwomencouncil.com/.

 

  1. Planning the Debate

1.1. Gender Balance in Panels and Speaker Lists

  • Ensure adequate representation of women in discussions – avoid ‘manels’ i.e., panels composed exclusively of men.

Tip: Some organizations have a rule that their representatives do not participate in debates without female speakers.

  • Try to avoid situations where a woman is the only expert on a panel, as this may reinforce her minority status.
  • It is not enough to simply include one woman on a panel to check the diversity box. Token representation can reinforce gender imbalances rather than address them. Ensure that female experts are invited for their expertise and given equal speaking time and prominence in discussions.
  • If finding female experts in a given field is challenging, search for them through professional networks, universities, NGOs, or available online databases such as the Baza Ekspertek or the India-EU Binder.
  • Consider diversity not only in terms of gender but also location, affiliation, and thematic specialization. It is also important to include participants from marginalized backgrounds.

Remember! Diverse voices in discussions enhance your debate.

1.2. Selecting Topics and Language

  • Avoid assigning women only to topics related to family, education, or health; highlight their role in traditionally male-dominated fields such as defense, sports, or armed conflicts.
  • Ensure neutral and gender-inclusive language – avoid diminutives that may undermine women’s expertise (e.g., using ‘Miss Kate’ instead of ‘President Kate’).
  • Keep in mind that gender is not just a binary category – avoid assumptions about gender and pronouns. Ask participants how they prefer to be addressed and respect their pronouns in all communication and event materials. Instead of gendered terms like ‘ladies and gentlemen,’ use inclusive alternatives such as ‘everyone’ or ‘distinguished guests.
  • Use gender-inclusive language and consistent titling standards.

Tip: To emphasize the presence of women in discussions, use both masculine and feminine forms of nouns (e.g., experts and female experts) or add feminine endings to verbs (e.g., ‘you were’ as ‘byłeś/aś’). Consider neutral terms like ‘person’ or ‘people’.

  1. Moderation and Conducting the Debate

2.1. Equal Speaking Opportunities

  • The moderator should ensure that everyone has a chance to speak and comparable speaking time, especially when women are in the minority.
  • Prevent interruptions directed at women (‘manterrupting’) and patronizing explanations (‘mansplaining’).
  • Allow for various forms of expression – not just confrontational debates but also dialogue-based discussions.

Tip: Encourage contributions from individuals who speak less often by asking direct questions or implementing a round-robin format to foster inclusivity.

2.2. Creating a Safe Space

  • Establish clear debate rules and foster an inclusive atmosphere – no personal attacks, respect for all participants.
  • Respond professionally and firmly to sexist comments or inappropriate behavior.
  • Avoid speaking on behalf of women without prior consultation to ensure accurate representation of their views.

Tip: Avoid proverbs and phrases that reinforce stereotypes, such as its a mans world, behind every great man, there is a great woman, strong, independent woman, ladies first.

  1. Promotion and Visibility

3.1. Amplifying Womens Voices in Media

  • After the event, promote diversity in media coverage.
  • Ensure equal representation of women and men in visual and informational materials.
  • Present women professionally and appropriately in relation to their role in the debate or event.

Tip: Before publishing media materials, ensure that women are not depicted in a tokenistic way – for instance, featuring a single woman surrounded by men, which may emphasize her minority status. Women should be presented not just as participants but as experts in their fields.

3.2. Networking and Mentorship

  • Support the development of professional networks among female and male experts by creating spaces for knowledge exchange and collaboration, such as networking opportunities before or after the debate.
  • Highlight the importance of role models by promoting women’s achievements in specific fields to inspire other women to participate actively in public debate.
  • Encourage mentorship as an effective tool for empowering women by connecting them with experienced experts.

Tip: Showcase the work of female scientists, ambassadors, or researchers to strengthen the image of women as opinion leaders.

  1. Time and Compensation

4.1. Flexibility in Scheduling

  • Accommodate flexible scheduling to balance participants’ various commitments, making it easier for them to attend events – for example, allowing them to speak at the beginning or end of a debate if needed.

4.2. Compensation for Participation

  • Include honoraria for expert panelists or media commentators in the budget.
  • Ensure equal pay for all invited experts, regardless of gender.
  • Promote transparent compensation policies by clearly communicating honoraria and reimbursement criteria.
  • If financial compensation is not possible, cover travel costs or other expenses associated with participation.

Tip: If the budget is limited, consider alternative forms of compensation, such as media promotion by the organizer, access to exclusive industry events, or invitations to future paid projects.

This guide is based on the experiences of women working at the Boym Institute. It serves as a support tool for debate organizers who genuinely want to increase the participation of women, especially female experts, in public discussions.

The goal of this guide is not to exclude anyone but to strive for equal opportunities in public debate. Inclusivity and diversity are not just matters of fairness but also of discussion quality. We believe that implementing these principles will make debates more valuable, representative, and open to diverse perspectives, ultimately making them more engaging and enriching for all audiences.

Ada Dyndo, Patrycja Pendrakowska and the Boym Institute Team

Ada Dyndo

is a seasoned expert on the Indian market, with over nine years of experience living in India. She specialized in bridging Polish and Indian businesses through tailored consultancy services (adadyndo.com). She has held prominent leadership roles, including Head of the Mumbai Foreign Trade Office for the Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH) and Principal Consultant at the European Business and Technology Centre (EBTC) in New Delhi. Currently, she serves as Director of the India Desk at the Indo-Polish Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IPCCI). In 2022, Ada launched the WICCI India-EU Business Council, a platform dedicated to amplifying women’s voices in business. Recognized as one of the Top 40 Leaders Under 40 by the Europe India Centre for Business and Industry, Ada has also been honored with the Women Leaders Award by Her Key. An Indologist with two Master’s degrees and fluent in Polish, English, French, and Hindi, Ada brings a rich cultural perspective to her work. Having lived in Pune, Delhi, and Mumbai, she now resides in Puducherry, where she continues to foster impactful business connections between Poland and India.

czytaj więcej

Opportunities and challenges of India’s G20 Presidency

Ada Dyndo conducts an interview with Shairee Malhotra on India’s role in G20. Shairee Malhotra serves as a Coordinator of the T20 India Taskforce on Reformed Multilateralism for India’s G20 presidency.

Book review: “Unveiling the North Korean economy”

Book review of "Unveiling the North Korean economy", written by Kim Byung-yeon and published by Cambridge University Press in 2016.B. Tauris in 2017.

Patrycja Pendrakowska and Paweł Behrendt on navigating Sino-Polish relations

We are proud to annouce, that Patrycja Pendrakowska and Paweł Behrendt made a contribution to the latest project of the Baltic Security Foundation, The Jamestown Foundation and the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation.

Krzysztof Zalewski for Observer Research Foundation – “Luxembourg faces the same dilemma as the EU: become a bridge or a fortress”

We would like to inform, that Observer Research Foundation has published article of Krzysztof Zalewski - the Boym Institute Analyst, Chairman of the Board and Editor of the “Tydzień w Azji” weekly.

Historical vs Current Emissions: Towards an Ethical and Political Synergy in International Climate Policy

Environmental problems transcend not only national borders but also historical periods. And yet debates on the necessary measures and timelines are often constrained by considerations of election cycles (or dynastic successions) in any given country.

Online Course: “Conflict Resolution and Democracy”

The course will be taught via interactive workshops, employing the Adam Institute’s signature “Betzavta – the Adam Institute’s Facilitation Method“, taught by its creator, Dr. Uki Maroshek-Klarman. The award-winning “Betzavta” method is rooted in an empirical approach to civic education, interpersonal communication and conflict resolution.

Foreign Direct Investment in Vietnam

Thanks to continuous economic development, Vietnam attracts a record number of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). The catalyst for such a strong growth of FDI in Vietnam is not only the ongoing trade war between the US and China, but also new international agreements.

Not only tests and masks: the history of Polish-Vietnamese mutual helpfulness

On the initiative of the Vietnamese community in Poland and Vietnamese graduates of Polish universities, our country received support from Vietnam - a country that deals with the threat posed by Sars-Cov-2 very effectively.

A Story of Victory? The 30th Anniversary of Kazakh Statehood and Challenges for the Future.

On 25 May 2021, the Boym Institute, in cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, organised an international debate with former Polish President Aleksander Kwaśniewski (1995-2005).

Indian dream – interview with Samir Saran

Krzysztof Zalewski: India is a large country, both in terms of its population and its land area, with a fast-growing economy. It is perceived as a major new player on the global stage. What would the world order look like if co-organized by India? Samir Saran: India’s impact on the world order is already significant, but […]

Book review: “Korean Diaspora in Postwar Japan – Geopolitics, Identity and Nation-Building”

Book review of "Korean Diaspora in Postwar Japan -  Geopolitics, Identity and Nation-Building", written by Kim Myung-ja and published by I.B Tauris in 2017.

Polish-Asian Cooperation in the Field of New Technologies – Report

Polish and Polish-founded companies are already on the largest continent in sectors such as: IT, educational technology, finance, marketing, e-commerce and space. Despite this, the potential lying dormant in the domestic innovation sector seems to be underutilized.

Short summary of events at the Boym Institute

We want the Boym Institute to become a valuable platform of exchanging views, making valuable acquaintances and, above all, deepening knowledge. Therefore, we undertake the organization of many events: debates, lectures, and conferences.

The Boym Institute contribution to the Transcultural Caravan project

We are pleased to announce, that our analysts and contributors are among authors of the newest publication - "European Perspectives on the New Silk Roads – A Transcultural Approach".

Patrycja Pendrakowska for Observer Research Foundation: “Guiding democracy through Covid19: Poland shows us what not to do”

We would like to inform, that Observer Research Foundation has published article of Patrycja Pendrakowska - the Boym Institute Analyst and President of the Board.

San Zhong Zhanfa or Three Warfares. Chinese Hybrid Warfare

Cognitive operations are becoming an increasingly significant and common element of non-kinetic military operations. States and other political players deliberately manipulate the way their actions, those of their allies and those of their adversaries are perceived by the governments and societies of other international players.

Taiwanese Perceptions of Russia’s Ukraine war

Since the invasion of Ukraine, the Taiwanese government remained committed to its position of condemnation for Russia, humanitarian support for Ukraine, and deep appreciation and admiration for the Ukrainian people’s will to defy power, resist aggression, and defend their nation.

Are “Climate Refugees” (Just) About Climate?

As the awareness of the scale and pervasiveness of climate impacts on human societies keeps rising, so does the frequency with which the terms “climate refugees” and “climate migrants” are being used in the public discourse “to describe those who are being displaced due to adverse consequences related to climate change” (Atapattu, 2020).

Connected Mobility Report

Risk and oppportunities for self-driving vehicles. Exploring global regulations and security challenges in the future of connected vehicles. The report was co-produced by Boym Institute and 9DASHLINE.

A letter from the Adam Institute in Jerusalem

This letter is part of our series on the Voices from Asia. We share our platform with Dr. Uki Maroshek-Klarman who serves as the Executive Director at the Adam Institute for Democracy and Peace in Jerusalem, Israel.

Central Asia. The winding road to regional integration

The aim of the paper is to present the current stage of integration among the Central Asian republics and to analyze directions and dynamics of this process in the nearest future. This study also attempts to identify factors which can either slow down or strengthen the process of integration as well as its causes and consequences.

Asia-Integration – Follow-up Report on Polish Policy Challenges Towards Asian Countries

The debate was the consequence of positive reactions to the open letter that the Boym Institute published in the summer of 2020. Many of its readers pointed out the necessity of broad consultations regarding the principles of the new multidimensional policy in order to reflect the diversity of perspectives, interests and conditions.

Paweł Behrendt for 9DASHLINE: The South China Sea – from colonialism to the Cold War

We would like to inform, that 9DASHLINE has published article of Paweł Behrendt - the Boym Institute Analyst, in which he wrote about history of the South China Sea dispute over the 20th century.

The strategic imperatives driving ASEAN-EU free trade talks: colliding values as an obstacle

Recently revived talks aimed at the conclusion of an inter-regional free trade agreement between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the European Union (EU) are driven by strategic imperatives of both regions.