Thane: Population First, the non-profit organisation behind the gender sensitivity movement ‘Laadli’, has announced the opening of entries for the 16th edition of the Laadli Media & Advertising Awards for Gender Sensitivity (LMAAGS). The awards will recognise journalists, filmmakers, advertisers, content creators, authors and students who have contributed to promoting gender-sensitive narratives across media platforms.
The organisation has also introduced a dedicated Student category in this edition, expanding the platform to encourage young storytellers and emerging media professionals to create content that challenges stereotypes and promotes inclusion.
LMAAGS honours impactful work across journalism, advertising, films, television, web series, books and other forms of media that portray gender with sensitivity and diversity. Established in 2005, the initiative aims to encourage creators to develop narratives that represent all genders positively and contribute towards building a more equitable society.
Since its inception, Laadli Media & Advertising Awards has recognised more than 1,800 pieces of gender-sensitive journalism and has expanded its reach across South Asia. The awards celebrate content that highlights issues around gender equality while encouraging responsible storytelling within the media ecosystem.
Dr. A. L. Sharada, Trustee and Former Director, Population First, said, “This is not just about an award. It is about giving visibility to gender-sensitive journalism and content that so often goes unacknowledged. I urge all journalists, content creators, filmmakers, students, advertising and media professionals to apply. Every entry strengthens the movement for gender-sensitive content creation and helps build a more equitable media landscape.”
The 16th edition of LMAAGS is open for entries from across India and will be evaluated by a jury comprising experts from media, advertising, gender studies and related fields. The journalism awards will accept entries in 14 languages, with winners being selected at both regional and national levels.
The awards will consider entries published, released or aired between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025. There is no entry fee for participation, and submissions will remain open until July 31, 2026.
Journalists can submit entries through the official Laadli platform, while students and authors can participate through dedicated submission channels. Advertising campaigns, films, television programmes and web series entries can be submitted by sharing content links with the awards team.
Entry Details
Submission deadline: 31st July 2026
Eligibility: Entries must have been published, released or aired between 1st
January 2025 and 31 st December 2025 (both days inclusive).
Entry fee: No entry fee.
Submission Links
Students:
https://zfrmz.in/8bkmnZIvTUbBgKGZaKPU
Authors:
https://zfrmz.in/pKq3xm2G37CX1uyFghxy
Advertising campaigns, films, television programmes and web series:
Email links to the content (please do not send attachments) to
laadlimediaawards@
For more information, visit www.populationfirst.org.
For queries, email laadlimediaawards@
