The International Advertising Association (IAA) India Chapter hosted the highly anticipated third edition of its flagship Voice of Change summit, themed ‘Gender Portrayal from 30 Seconds to 3 Hours.’ The summit, which took place on November 11, 2024, aimed to challenge industry stakeholders to push for more gender-sensitive, equitable, and responsible content across media, with a special focus on digital platforms.
The event was graced by distinguished guests, including Chief Guest Smriti Irani, Former Cabinet Minister, and Guest of Honour Taapsee Pannu, alongside a powerhouse lineup of industry leaders such as Srinivasan K. Swamy, Neha Barjatya, Eashwari Deshpande, Anushree Bhattacharyya, Mitrajit Bhatacharya, Neena Dasgupta, Anurag Agnihotri, Karthik Nagarajan, Zairus Master, Gautami Kawale, Janaki Amrite, and Shreya Jain. Together, these changemakers discussed the evolving landscape of gender portrayal in media and the pivotal role of content creators in dismantling long-standing biases.
The day began with a formal lamp-lighting ceremony led by Smt. Smriti Irani, setting the tone for a day of impactful discussions. This was followed by a welcome address by Srinivasan K. Swamy, IAA Mancom Member & Executive Group Chairperson at R.K. SWAMY Limited, who emphasized the need for continuous efforts to challenge and break gender stereotypes in media.
The opening session, led by Nina Elavia Jaipuria and Megha Tata, Chairperson and Co-Chairperson of the IAA India Women Empowerment Committee, reflected on the progress of the Voice of Change initiative since its inception in 2021.
Megha Tata highlighted the significance of the movement, noting, “When we launched Voice of Change, we envisioned a world where media and communication professionals take charge of the narratives they create. Today, our partnership with organizations like UNICEF and Google has helped us gather data that reveals the deep-seated gender biases that continue to influence content creation. Together, we can push for more inclusive and progressive portrayals of women in media.”
Nina Elavia Jaipuria added, “This year’s focus on gender representation in digital content is especially significant. As platforms like YouTube and OTT continue to grow, their influence on shaping societal views is immense. We are proud to partner with Google India in this critical movement to promote inclusivity in digital storytelling.”
In a thought-provoking keynote address, Smriti Irani discussed the systemic lack of visibility and recognition for women’s contributions in media and society. She emphasized the importance of creating platforms where women’s voices are heard and celebrated. “Women do not have a problem speaking or showing up; what we lack is recognition for our contributions,” said Irani. “It is vital that we continue these conversations and support women in their quest for their rightful place in society and media.”
Irani also discussed how platforms like YouTube democratize dreams by giving women in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities a platform to share their stories. She urged women to embrace their success and be unapologetic about their achievements, while challenging traditional gender roles and stereotypes in content creation.
During the special address, Geetanjali Master, UNICEF’s Partnerships Specialist, shared insights into how gender socialization in India limits opportunities for girls. “The media has the power to either reinforce or challenge these social norms,” said Master. “By collaborating with content creators, especially in smaller towns and communities, we aim to inspire inclusive storytelling that shifts perceptions and unlocks opportunities for young girls across the country.”
The summit also recognized remarkable individuals who have led the charge for gender equity in their respective fields. C.V.L. Srinivas, Country Manager of WPP India, and Smita Sharma, acclaimed photojournalist and visual storyteller, were honored with the Gender Warrior Award for their pioneering efforts to promote gender inclusivity.
The first panel, titled “Conscious Creativity in Digital Content,” moderated by Eashwari Deshpande (Head of YouTube Ads Marketing & Industry Advocacy), featured Gautami Kawale, Shreya Jain, and Janaki Amrite. They discussed the power of digital platforms to democratize content creation and amplify diverse voices. Gautami Kawale, Founder of Slayy Point, emphasized the responsibility of content creators to engage with Gen Z audiences in a way that challenges stereotypes and encourages positive representation.
The second panel, “Digital Advertising Through the Gender Lens,” moderated by Anushree Bhattacharyya, explored how digital advertising can break gender stereotypes and create more inclusive narratives. Anurag Agnihotri (Managing Partner- Creative, Ogilvy West), Karthik Nagarajan (CEO, Hogarth), Neena Dasgupta (Founder & CEO, The Salt Inc.), and Zairus Master (Chief Business Officer, Honasa Consumer Ltd- Mamaearth) discussed how their brands are using advertising to portray women as strong, independent figures, focusing on progressive storytelling that resonates with modern, urban audiences.
The event concluded with an inspiring fireside chat featuring Taapsee Pannu, one of Bollywood’s most fearless and influential actresses, moderated by Mitrajit Bhattacharyya, IAA Mancom Member and Founder of The Horologists. Pannu shared insights into her career, the challenges she faced portraying complex, women-centric roles, and her commitment to breaking societal norms through impactful storytelling. Reflecting on her roles in films like Pink, Mulk, and Saand Ki Aankh, Pannu discussed how these projects have helped reshape the narrative around women in cinema.
The summit was presented by Google India & YouTube, with UNICEF as the knowledge partner and TVS as the associate partner. Other supporters included Republic Digital (Digital News Partner), Crome Talkies, AdGully, Indian Television, Manifest, Mediabrief, and MxM India (Web Media Partners), while Free Press Journal and Hindustan Times were the print media partners for the event.
With its powerful discussions, diverse perspectives, and commitment to fostering change, the 2024 edition of IAA’s Voice of Change summit has once again set the stage for transforming the future of gender representation in media, inspiring industry leaders to “Break the Bias, Together!”
