Opportunity brief
Overview:
Breaking the Mould is a flagship initiative organized by the Gender Champions Club, Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies (SIMS). The competition aims to challenge and redefine deeply rooted gender-biased stereotypes and societal norms that continue to influence workplaces, educational institutions, families, and communities.
Participants will be required to identify gender-based biases, question conventional perceptions, and develop innovative, practical, and impactful solutions that promote inclusivity, equality, and social change. Through critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving, this competition seeks to inspire future leaders to challenge stereotypes and contribute towards a more equitable society.
If you believe in questioning stereotypes, challenging outdated perceptions, and driving meaningful change, this is your opportunity to Break the Mould.
Competition Structure:
Round 1: Online Quiz
- The first round will be an online quiz testing participants' awareness of gender-related issues, workplace diversity, inclusion, social stereotypes, and critical reasoning.
- Participants will be required to complete and submit their answers within the specified time.
- Based on their performance in the quiz, selected teams will qualify for the second and final round.
- The shortlisted teams will subsequently be provided with a topic for the final round.
Round 2: Topic-Based Analysis & On-Campus Grand Finale
- Shortlisted teams will be provided with a topic related to a gender stereotype, societal norm, or gender-based bias prior to the final round.
- Teams will be expected to critically analyse the given topic, identify the underlying stereotype or bias, and develop an innovative, practical, and impactful solution.
- Participants will prepare a PPT presentation based on their analysis, proposed solution, implementation strategy, and expected impact.
- Shortlisted teams will present their solutions at the SIMS campus before a panel of judges.
- Teams may choose a conventional PPT presentation, skit, role-play, dramatization, or any other creative form of presentation, subject to competition guidelines.
- The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session with the judges.
- Winners will be selected based on depth of analysis, innovation, practicality, social impact, creativity, and presentation skills.
For Example:
"Women are not great drivers" – Driving is often stereotypically associated with men, while car advertisements predominantly portray men as drivers. Participants could explore how advertising, automobile brands, and society can challenge this stereotype and represent women equally as confident and capable drivers.
Team Size:
- Participation is allowed in teams of 2 members.
Prizes:
- 1st Prize: ₹3,500
- 2nd Prize: ₹2,500
- 3rd Prize: ₹1,500
Rewards & Recognition:
- Certificates for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.
- The winning team will receive mementos.
- Participation and achieving a podium finish in Breaking the Mould will add significant value to your CV, showcasing your critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, leadership, and commitment to promoting gender equality and social inclusion.
Participant Expenses:
- Participants shortlisted for the on-campus Grand Finale will be required to bear their own expenses for attending the event.
- Travel, accommodation, food, local transportation, and any other personal expenses incurred by participants will be borne entirely by the participants.
- The organizers will not reimburse or cover any travel, accommodation, food, transportation, or other personal expenses associated with participation in the on-campus round.
Theme:
Breaking Gender Norms. Challenging Stereotypes. Creating Change.
Join us in breaking the mould and shaping a future where opportunities, choices, and possibilities are not defined by gender, but by potential.