Chapter 1: Sexism vs Misogyny vs Patriarchy with Sonam Mittal

Look at this image. What do you see?

Inequality? Sexism? Misogyny? Patriarchy? Gender roles? Unpaid care work?

Perhaps all of them? But they aren't interchangeable words.

Sexism isn’t just “sexist behaviour.”

Misogyny isn’t just “men who hate women.”

Patriarchy isn’t just “men have power.”

On 18th October 2026, we’ll explore how patriarchy, sexism and misogyny connect, overlap, and reinforce one another. Because knowing what a concept means is only the starting point for understanding gender.

Reading materials will be provided before the session.

Who is this for?

POSH practitioners. Trainers. HR folks.

Feminists. Gender nerds. Curious humans.

Basically, anyone interested in understanding gender!

If you've been meaning to strengthen your theoretical foundations around gender, come join me.

Bring a notebook and a pencil along. See you in class! 🙂

Sonam Mittal is a queer activist with 17 years of experience in gender equality, environmental advocacy, and human rights campaigns. She serves as an external member in POSH Committees, and is a certified trainer on POSH (NUJS). In addition to POSH, she is committed to supporting victims of gender-based violence, and advises grassroots movements on social change, digital advocacy and communication strategies. In her spare time, she writes on gender, labour rights, socio-economic & political topics.

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Session recording, extended reading materials, and presentation slides will be made available to all participants post the session

Azaadi's Online Lecture Series on Understanding Gender: Back to Basics & Beyond is an invitation to explore the ideas, power relations and social systems that shape our contemporary understanding of gender. More chapters coming soon!

(If you're student and unable to afford this, click here for a top-secret coupon code 🤫)