“A woman with a voice is by definition a strong woman. But the search to find that voice can be remarkably difficult.”

– Melinda Gates

Gender equality is central to the idea of a pluralistic and inclusive media ecosystem. Media development, including the portrayal of women, is inseparable from the considerations of gender equality and empowerment. Our progressive society thrives in an environment of unequal and limited work opportunities, tainted patriarchal perceptions and prejudices, objectified narrative imagery and a lack of gender sensitivity, in academic, professional and personal spheres.

In an ode to many empowered women in media, the second edition of The Indian Institute of Mass Communication’s ‘Media Mahakumbh’ celebrates the transition of women from fitting into glass slippers to shattering glass ceilings.A festival bigger and better than before, a perfect amalgamation of knowledge and creativity – Media Mahakumbh aims to provide everyone with a platform to empower and be empowered.

‘The Media Maha Summit’; a summit that provides a platform to women media connoisseurs to share their unheard stories and experiences, enlightening and encouraging young media enthusiasts alike. The summit will be a celebration of International Women’s Day, and will be held on the 8^th of March, 10:30 to 11:30 am, at the Mahatma Gandhi Manch, Indian Institute of Mass Communication. A panel discussion on ‘Women Achievers’; moderated by Media Mahakumbh’s Festival Director,Dr. Anubhuti Yadav will host some of the most prominent women of the media industry, including – Smita Prakash; Group Editor, Asian News International (ANI), RituKapur; Co-founder & CEO, Quintillion Media, Sheetal Rajput; Managing Editor, JanTantra TV, Shruti Jain; Marketing & Communication Specialist and Sakshi Joshi; Anchor, Prime time Anchor & Special Correspondent for News 24.

Adding further prestige and value to the panel will be Gita Bamezai ; Professor & Head, Communication Research Department, Sunetra Sen Narayan ; Associate Professor & Head, Department of Publications, and Shashwati Goswami ; Associate Professor from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication.

This panel discussion is unique for bringing empowered women together, to delve on matters of concern and distress and more importantly, share solutions that enable every woman in the media industry, and society at large, to fiercely express and work towards her goals.

A special address by the esteemed Chief Guest, Dr.AnnuragBatra, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief, BW Businessworld and Exchange4Media, a special performance by India’s most celebrated classical dancer and Padma Vibhushan awardee Dr.SonalMansingh, 13 competitive events, and a scintillating performance by celebrated singer B Praak – IIMC’s Media Mahakumbh surely has something for everyone.

This International Women’s Day, celebrate with the ‘Media Maha Summit’ the power within each woman and duly participate in the process of establishing better and egalitarian media standards that are gender sensitive, gender responsive and gender transformative.