building community in a not-so-digital age
why physical spaces for women matter more than ever, and why we launched india's first women-only club
after the last few years of pandemic-induced isolation and an over-reliance on social media and digital connections, it’s easy to assume that our need for physical spaces has diminished. however, despite the convenience (and possibilities) of online networking, there’s something irreplaceable about real, face-to-face interactions — especially for women.
don’t get us wrong - we do acknowledge that online platforms offer unprecedented opportunities for networking and learning, but where they often fall short is in fostering deep, meaningful, no-holds-barred connections. digital interactions, no matter how frequent, lack the warmth and authenticity of in-person encounters. and boy, are we done with those screens!? for women, who often juggle multiple roles and responsibilities, these superficial ‘connections’ often leave them feeling isolated, exhausted and disconnected.
enter — physical spaces. the real mvps of connections. they give us something that digital platforms simply cannot — genuine human connections. which we all crave. it’s where the real (not small) talk happens, trust builds, and connections actually stick. such spaces offer an opportunity for women to come together on an intimate level —no masks, no filters, no pretences. and let’s be real, who doesn’t want that kind of freedom in a world that’s always telling us to be someone else?
today, when technology often leads to feeling more disconnected than connected, physical spaces like these provide the antidote. they’re not just hangout spots—they’re places where women can drop the pretences, be themselves, and get the kind of support that’s crucial to both personal and professional growth. we have hosted 200+ in person events across the country (30 to 2000 women at a time), and it’s safe to say that such spaces create an environment where women tend to be very open in expressing their feelings and speaking up. there's a level of familiarity and kindness that is just not offered in a mixed setting.
so we took 4 years of community building learnings and launched leap.club offline, india’s first women-only club, in bombay last month. if you haven’t followed our behind the scenes from gurgaon to bombay already, here’s a tldr: this big, audacious dream was born out of a realisation. the realisation that online engagement, while important, simply can’t fulfil all the needs of women, especially in the workplace. real magic happens when women connect irl, where ideas flow freely, trust is built naturally, and lasting relationships take root.
in a city like mumbai, where life moves at an overwhelming pace (no pothole pun intended), we learnt that the need for a ‘third place’ is more vital than ever. we have designed this club to offer that elusive sanctuary, in the heart of the urban hustle (read: linking road). a safe space where women can work, hang, laze, learn, or simply catch up with (new) friends— in a place that feels like home. with a blend of open seating, a library of books by female authors, and cosy meeting rooms named after iconic female characters, we hope to be more than just a physical location— a community where women thrive. an environment that is supportive, inclusive, and free from external pressures. ultimately, fulfill an essential human need: belonging.
to become an offline member, join the waitlist at www.leap.club/offline. memberships are by invite only.