Laadli Media Advocacy Initiative of Population First, announced the call for entries for its 12th edition of Laadli Media and Advertising Awards for Gender Sensitivity. Applications are invited from journalists from print, digital and electronic media, advertising professionals, and content creators for social media, blogs, and other web-based publications in English, Hindi, and all regional languages. They should have been published/displayed/ broadcast or telecast from 1st January 2021 to 31st December 2021. The last date for receiving applications is May 31st. The initiative is supported once again by UNFPA and The Royal Norwegian Embassy of New Delhi.
“This is the 12th edition of the awards. They have been expanding their scope over the years by adding categories to keep up with trends in the constantly evolving media scenario. We get entries from far-flung places from across the countries. Smaller towns are increasingly making their presence felt as also the regional media. It is truly evolving as a gold standard of gender-sensitive journalism,” said Bobby Sista, Executive Trustee and Founder of Population First.
“The LMAAGS highlight, acknowledge, and celebrate the commendable efforts of various media in analyzing programs, policies, social trends, and behaviors from a gender perspective. Population First aims to establish gender sensitivity as a core value of good journalism and content creation. We regularly conduct sensitization workshops for various groups to ensure that they are equipped to produce a nuanced and inclusive work,” said Dr. A.L. Sharada, Director of Population First.
On the occasion, Sharada also shared some findings from a report to assess the influence of these awards. “The third-party impact study found that 81% of the respondents viewed these awards as extremely important to their careers. 91% percent of respondents felt that they were able to bring about change in their immediate environment. It is very encouraging to know that the awards are having a positive impact on individual journalists as well as the industry as a whole. We keep expanding our reach, even more, each year,” she added.
“Media and communications play a very critical role in tackling gender discriminatory norms and structures. Given their reach and influence, they have the potential to be a strong ally in amplifying the voices of women and girls, and support them in upholding their rights, while challenging gender stereotypes and depicting women and girls in gender diverse roles,” noted Andrea Wojnar, Country Representative UNFPA, India in the opening address on the occasion.
Laadli Media Awards have become synonymous with gender sensitivity and inclusivity. Over the years it has gained in stature and has come to be recognized as a coveted award. Last year nearly 1100 entries were received despite the nation being in the middle of a crippling pandemic. Entries were received in 10 languages from across the country.
A gender-sensitive communication would analyze policies, programs, and laws from a gender perspective. It would challenge gender stereotypes by focusing on people who are redefining gender equations and assessing the social, religious, and economic factors that promote gender inequality, gender-based violence, and discriminatory practices. It would give visibility to women and LGBTQAI achievers and also report on current events from a gender perspective.
