Every now and then Google docs circulate, in which women are asked to nominate themselves, or other women, as potential panelists. These are intended as a response to the ubiquity of that adamant cultural institution, The Manel (a panel composed solely of men). These efforts are often accompanied by the glow of good intentions. But good intentions are not the same as political intentions. 

These lists may be better than nothing. But they also absolve people of the uncomfortable work of interrogating their own biases or privileges and the work of expanding their world view. Organisers called out about manels, are always hurt and innocent. “Us? Sexist? Arre we looked for women, but we found none. Well, we found one but she was busy and how can we take time from glorifying the talents of men, to look for, ohemgee, more woman?”