Speakers announced for IAA gender sensitisation seminar in Mumbai on 16 February

Fifteen speakers have been announced for the International Advertising Association (IAA) India chapter’s seminar on gender sensitisation. The event has been organised by the IAA in partnership with UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), NGO Laadli and the Zee Group.

The seminar is scheduled to be held on 16 February in Mumbai.

Speakers lined up for the seminar are Abhijit Avasthi, executive creative director,  Ogilvy India; Ajay Balwankar, head of programming, Zee; Anuja Gulati, state programme officer of UNFPA (United Nation Population Fund); Dr A L Sharada, programme director, Laadli; Dr Anjali Monteiro, professor and dean, school of media and cultural studies, TISS; Dr Shyam Benegal, film director and screenwriter - MP;  Geeta Rao, creative director, Geeta’s List; Josy Paul, chairman and national creative director, BBDO India; K V Sridhar, national creative director, Leo Burnett; television host and actor Mandira Bedi; Nandita Gandhi, co-director, Akshara; Sangeetha Narasimhan, executive creative director, RK Swamy BBDO; Sonal Dabral, chairman and chief creative officer, DDB Mudra; Tista Sen, national creative director, JWT; and movie director Zoya Akhtar.

Branded VOW (stop Violence On Women), this is the first step in the IAA’s major initiative to try and use the power of creative and effective communication to change behavioural patterns regarding women’s issues in our society, informed an official statement.

Srinivasan Swamy, president IAA India chapter, said, “Sometimes unconsciously, content creators reinforce gender stereotypes. We also need to be very focused on not portraying women as objects. This seminar, aimed at our advertising, media and entertainment industry, is a way of looking within ourselves and making sure we portray women in the right light at all times.”

Kaushik Roy, chairman, public service committee, IAA India chapter, added,  “The spontaneous response of so many leaders of the creative part of our industry is very heartening. With such content, I am sure the seminar will be a unique experience.”

Industry representatives interested in registering for this seminar should send details of their names, designation and the company they represent to [email protected]. There is no entry fee.