Colors joins hands with ‘Laadli’ Foundation as ‘Cause Partner’

• Population First, the communication and advocacy initiative working towards gender sensitivity, has launched the 8th edition of the Laadli Media and Advertising Awards for Gender Sensitivity (LMAAGS) 2015-16 in partnership with Colors. These awards recognise and celebrate the efforts of the media and advertising community to promote gender sensitivity in India. The MoU signed with Colors as the exclusive Cause Partners is in keeping with the channel’s vision to highlight a woman’s strength and gumption in the society-at-large. The last date for receiving entries is December 15, 2016, and the awards will be announced soon thereafter.
  
  Speaking at the launch, Raj Nayak, CEO – Hindi Mass Entertainment, Viacom 18, said, “Gender equality and empowerment are tangible issues faced by the Indian population today. As we steadily move towards adopting Western cultural themes, there is a section of the media and advertising industry that is working diligently towards rehabilitation of various strata in our society. At Colors, it is our constant endeavour to highlight the various characteristics and traits of the strong Indian woman of today, and our association with the Laadli Media Awards is a step in this direction.”
  
  While stating that women made very good managers, Nayak said that, “I watch ‘Bigg Boss’ on Colors, but who is the big boss at my home? My wife, of course. 70 per cent of the staff strength at Colors is women. We are offering nine months of maternity leave to our women employees. That’s women empowerment for me and Colors. We are looking forward to this partnership with Laadli, as we as a channel can relate to this cause a lot because most of our shows are focussed on women centric content and we try to bring the realities of the society and help them fight against all odds and give them strength to raise their voice.”
  
  Talking about the power of media, SV Sista, Executive Trustee, Population First, said, “Over the last few years, LMAAGS has set a benchmark for the media in the space of gender sensitive reporting of women. The LMAAGS was instituted to salute this spirit in the space of gender sensitivity, thus celebrating the power of media.”
  
  He also thanked UNFPA for their support and made special mention of Anuja Gulati, whom he called a “great guide, mentor and everything”. He also commended theatre personality Dolly Thakore, who has been associated with 4-5 NGOs and various social causes. “What an amazing network Dolly Thakore has, you ask for anyone and she will bring that person to you,” Sista added.
  
  Dr AL Sharada, Director, Population First, pointed out, “From a mere 100 entries in 2007 to more than 1,500 entries in 2015, Laadli Media Awards have come a long way in acknowledging the media’s contribution in women empowerment and gender issues. The increasing volume of discussion in public domain on gender issues is an indication that we are witnessing the beginnings of change. This year, too, we hope to see a quantum leap in the number of entries of Laadli Media Awards. Also, the partnership with Colors is a refreshing start to the new edition and indeed helps us to sustain the impact and reach of the awards.”
  
  He further said, “Colors was the first channel to come up with social cause content like ‘Balika Vadhu’, ‘Na Aana Is Des Laado’ and many more. We are glad that Colors has joined us in this endeavour.”
  
  The Laadli Media and Advertising Awards for Gender Sensitivity have been instituted to acknowledge, highlight and celebrate the commendable efforts undertaken by Print and Electronic media (TV, Radio and Web) and Advertising Agencies to promote gender sensitivity as an integral part of their work.
  
  Criteria for Eligibility
  
  An entry to the Laadli Media and Advertising Awards for Gender Sensitivity should emphasise or highlight one or more of the following:
• Analyse policies, programs and laws from a gender perspective
• Highlight influence of gender perceptions on the functioning of police, judiciary, administrators and other service providers in the implementation of laws and programmes
• Challenge gender stereo-types by focusing on men and women who are redefining their gender equations, for example, changing work participation patterns of men and women, changing work distribution at home between men and women, etc.
• Analyse the social, religious and economic factors that promote gender inequality and gender violence
• Report on current events from a gender perspective, for example, disasters, communal riots, elections, sports events, etc.
• Create awareness about pre-birth sex selection and other acts of gender discrimination and violence
• Interpret research and other reports/documents from a gender perspective e.g. census, economic survey, budgets etc.
• Voice the experiences of survivors of gender violence
  
  Entries Are Invited from:

 1) Advertising: Single Advertisements and Campaigns for Print/ TV /Radio /OOH/ Digital/ Direct Mail under the categories of Services, Products and Public Services

Categories: Single Advertisements and Campaigns (Though entries are invited at Regional level the Awards are given at National level)

2) Print Media: From journalists writing for Newspapers and Periodicals in the individual category and Media Houses undertaking media campaigns on gender issues in the group category

Categories: Journalism – Print– News Reports, Features, Investigative Stories, Editorials, Op-Eds, Columns and Campaigns

Journalism - Electronic– News Reports, Features, Investigative Reporting, Documentaries, Topical or Issue Based Programs and Campaigns

3) Electronic Media:

TV and Radio: From TV Channels and Radio Stations (including Community and University Radio, Radio Plays, etc.)

Web: E-Magazines, Blogs, Features, Social Media Campaigns

Entry Requirements:

All entries should have been published/ displayed/ broadcast or telecast between July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016

All entries (except from freelancers and from those applying under the web category) must include a declaration from the Editor/ Direct Supervisor or commissioning organization

Multiple entries in more than one category are allowed

All entries to be sent on laadlimediaawards@gmail.com

The winners will be chosen by a jury comprising eminent personalities both from the media and social sector.

The Laadli Media Awards were instituted in March 2007 as a Mumbai centric event and were subsequently taken to the National level with the support of the UNFPA. Laadli, a term of endearment meaning ‘cherished daughter’ in Hindi, is a campaign by Population First, a Mumbai-based NGO, and is a communications and advocacy initiative for a balanced, planned and stable population. Laadli is a comprehensive communication campaign aiming to promote a positive image of women and girls in society by changing the stereotypical mindsets that undervalue women. Laadli Campaign works with communities, colleges and media towards breaking gender barriers and bringingabout gender equality in society. Laadli media advocacy includes a number of activities, viz., Media fellowships, gender sensitization workshops for working and student journalists, interactive sessions with Creative Directors of TV Channels, Ad analysis with advertising professionals.