Laadli - A Population First Initiative

Laadli - A Population First Initiative Laadli is the exuberant happy little girl, spreading sunshine and hope. She is Population First's brave little messenger of hope.

She brings home the fact that a girl child can bring so much pride and joy. Laadli, a girl child campaign of Population First, was launched in June 2005 to address the problem of the falling s*x ratios highlighted in the Census of 2001. However, over the years the scope of the project was redefined to work with media, advertising and youth to address the reasons why a daughter is considered unwanted and undermined in our society.

 , Zijah Sherwani, is honoured for their deeply moving and essential documentary, The Kaurs of 1984.This work reminds us...
05/12/2025

, Zijah Sherwani, is honoured for their deeply moving and essential documentary, The Kaurs of 1984.

This work reminds us that historical violence is profoundly gendered, and that Justice for Survivors demands centering the voices of the women who bore witness. By meticulously documenting the decades-long trauma, resilience, and fight for justice by the Sikh women survivors, their documentary ensures that this crucial history remains constant and loud—a clear act of Media for Change.

We proudly celebrate Zijah Sherwani’s unwavering resolve to use their creative platform as a tool for social impact, historical reckoning, and human dignity, which is precisely the kind of advocacy we honour at the Laadli Media Awards.

 , Satvika Mahajan, is recognized for her sensitive and essential reporting that uncovered the neglect faced by transgen...
05/12/2025

, Satvika Mahajan, is recognized for her sensitive and essential reporting that uncovered the neglect faced by transgender residents in state-run shelters.

Her investigative piece reminds us that the promise of Safety, Care, and Dignity must extend to every individual, especially those most marginalized. By bringing this critical lapse to light, her work ensures that the conversation on Transgender Welfare and Accountability remains constant and loud—a clear act of Media for Change.

We proudly celebrate Satvika Mahajan’s unwavering resolve to use her platform as a tool for social impact and demanding better institutional care, which is precisely the kind of advocacy we honour at the Laadli Media Awards.

 , Nidhi Suresh [], is celebrated for her profound, intersectional follow-up reporting on the Hathras case, weaving toge...
05/12/2025

, Nidhi Suresh [], is celebrated for her profound, intersectional follow-up reporting on the Hathras case, weaving together issues of caste, conflict, and gender.

Her rigorous investigation reminds us that true Social Justice demands an understanding of how multiple axes of discrimination converge. By refusing to let this critical conversation fade, her work ensures that the call for accountability and systemic change remains constant and loud—a clear act of Media for Change.

We proudly celebrate Nidhi Suresh’s unwavering resolve to use her platform as a tool for deep social impact and intersectional analysis, which is precisely the kind of advocacy we honour at the Laadli Media Awards.

 , Tara Chettur, “Matrimonial websites, especially in arranged marriage setups, often reflect deeply ingrained patriarch...
04/12/2025

, Tara Chettur, “Matrimonial websites, especially in arranged marriage setups, often reflect deeply ingrained patriarchal norms. The way women are described in these profiles highlights unrealistic and contradictory expectations...”

Tara Chettur expertly critiques how platforms like matrimonial websites become vehicles for deeply ingrained patriarchal expectations. By highlighting the impossible standards—the demand for women to be “traditional yet modern” and seamlessly balance caregiving and professional life—her Gender-Conscious Narratives expose how media reinforces harmful gender roles. This work is crucial for promoting Gender Sensitivity in Media and pushing for Equality in Action by challenging the reductive portrayals of women.

 , Arshdeep Arshi [], “I believe on the path to gender equality, we need women standing up for women and that can happen...
04/12/2025

, Arshdeep Arshi [], “I believe on the path to gender equality, we need women standing up for women and that can happen only through sharing our stories, our fears, our traumas which leads to bonding, friendships and a sisterhood.”

Arshdeep Arshi’s powerful words beautifully encapsulate the essence of solidarity and shared experience in the journey towards equality. Her acknowledgment of Laadli’s role in promoting Gender Sensitivity in Media highlights the crucial platform for Gender-Conscious Narratives that unite women across the nation. This emphasis on sisterhood, bonding, and mutual support is the very foundation for achieving true Equality in Action. Sharing our stories is not just reporting; it’s building a movement.

 , Hema Rakesh from BBC Tamil, is honoured for her compassionate portrayal of a young transgender student’s determinatio...
03/12/2025

, Hema Rakesh from BBC Tamil, is honoured for her compassionate portrayal of a young transgender student’s determination and powerful advocacy for acceptance, education, and dignity.

Her sensitive reporting reminds us that Inclusion and Dignity are fundamental human rights. By telling this vital story, her work ensures that the conversation on Transgender Rights and Acceptance remains constant and loud—a clear act of Media for Change.

We proudly celebrate Hema Rakesh’s unwavering resolve to use her platform as a tool for social impact and fostering empathy, which is precisely the kind of advocacy we honour at the Laadli Media Awards.

 , Devika J, presents a thoughtful, rigorous, and reflective piece tracing Kerala’s evolving feminist conversations.Her ...
03/12/2025

, Devika J, presents a thoughtful, rigorous, and reflective piece tracing Kerala’s evolving feminist conversations.

Her deep-dive report reminds us that the quest for Gender Justice is a dynamic, complex, and continuous journey, shaped by local history and tireless dialogue. By documenting the nuances of these critical movements, her reflection ensures that the pulse of social progress remains constant and loud—a clear act of Media for Change.

We proudly celebrate Devika J’s unwavering resolve to use her platform as a tool for social impact and nuanced understanding, which is precisely the kind of advocacy we honour at the Laadli Media Awards.

 , Divya Gandhi of Frontline, uses her investigative lens to ask a vital question: why do women vanish from STEM academi...
03/12/2025

, Divya Gandhi of Frontline, uses her investigative lens to ask a vital question: why do women vanish from STEM academia?

Her powerful reporting reminds us that achieving Gender Equality in Education and Careers demands rigorous scrutiny of systemic barriers. By tackling the crucial issue of women’s retention in STEM, her work ensures that the conversation on intellectual and professional parity remains constant and loud—a clear act of Media for Change.

We proudly celebrate Divya Gandhi’s unwavering resolve to use her platform as a tool for social impact, which is precisely the kind of advocacy we honour at the Laadli Media Awards.

 , Akshay Nema, “मैंने ग्राम पंचायतों में महिला सरपंचों के संवैधानिक अधिकारों पर बहुत सी खबरें की। जिनका ग्राम पंचायत के...
02/12/2025

, Akshay Nema, “मैंने ग्राम पंचायतों में महिला सरपंचों के संवैधानिक अधिकारों पर बहुत सी खबरें की। जिनका ग्राम पंचायत के लोगों पर सार्थक प्रभाव पड़ा।” (I reported extensively on the constitutional rights of women Sarpanches in Gram Panchayats, which had a meaningful impact on the people of the village.)

This impactful work by Akshay Nema beautifully illustrates the power of Gender-Conscious Narratives in action. By covering the constitutional rights of women Sarpanches, their reporting has created a significant, positive impact at the grassroots level, fostering true Equality in Action.


This commitment to empowering women in leadership roles and ensuring their rights are upheld is a testament to the high standards of Gender Sensitivity in Media. Their journalism doesn’t just inform; it transforms communities.

 , Sumedha Raikar, Author, Antarangatil Katha, affirms that challenging norms is a mark of excellence.Her insight remind...
01/12/2025

, Sumedha Raikar, Author, Antarangatil Katha, affirms that challenging norms is a mark of excellence.

Her insight reminds us that true Gender Sensitivity in Media is the new standard of merit. By proving that inclusive storytelling is a necessity rather than a choice, she establishes that looking through a gender-conscious lens creates the highest form of art—a clear act of Media for Change.

We proudly celebrate Sumedha’s consistent excellence and her ability to weave narratives that defy convention, which is precisely the kind of work we honour her at the Laadli Media Awards.

 , Malabika Dhar’s profound work delves into the critical intersections of gender with health, technology, and disabilit...
29/11/2025

, Malabika Dhar’s profound work delves into the critical intersections of gender with health, technology, and disability, shining a light on deeply-rooted biases that impact marginalised communities and women’s well-being.

Her insights remind us that true Gender-Conscious Narratives go beyond surface-level reporting; they demand we challenge systemic inequalities and amplify unheard voices.

This commitment to truth and accountability drives Equality in Action and sets the highest standards for Gender Sensitivity in Media.

 , Mohammad Abu Bakar, eloquently states the fundamental duty of a journalist: “it’s our responsibility to move beyond s...
25/11/2025

, Mohammad Abu Bakar, eloquently states the fundamental duty of a journalist: “it’s our responsibility to move beyond stereotypes and tell stories that empower, inform, and inspire a change.”

His commitment highlights that true Gender Sensitivity in Media lies in actively dismantling harmful stereotypes and building narratives that empower and transform. This crucial work serves as a powerful catalyst for Equality in Action, sparking necessary societal shifts.

We proudly celebrate Mohammad Abu Bakar’s dedication to this transformative approach, which is precisely the impactful journalism we honour at the Laadli Media Awards.

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