New Delhi, August 14, 2024– In a bold and strategic move, UN Women India has launched the Generation Equality Allyship, a groundbreaking initiative designed to harness the power of social media to advocate for gender equality and women’s empowerment across India. The initiative was unveiled at the first-ever Annual Allies Meet held at UN House in New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing fight for gender parity.
The Generation Equality Allyship brings together a diverse and influential group of gender advocates, brands, influencers, and media platforms, all committed to amplifying the voices and stories that promote gender equality. The inaugural cohort includes luminaries such as iconic Bollywood actress Zeenat Aman, global fashion influencer Masoom Minawala, acclaimed poet Priya Malik, and youth media platform Yuvaa, among others. These allies will work collaboratively to foster a culture of allyship, driving collective action to advance gender equality in all sectors of Indian society.
At the heart of the Generation Equality Allyship is a commitment to creating a more just and equal world for future generations. The initiative builds on the success of the global Generation Equality movement, which advocates for critical issues such as equal pay, the equal sharing of unpaid care and domestic work, the end of sexual harassment and violence against women and girls, and ensuring women’s equal participation in political life and decision-making across all spheres.
UN Women India’s Country Representative, Susan Ferguson, emphasized the unparalleled potential of social media as a tool for societal transformation during the launch event. “Social media has the power to dismantle stereotypes, reshape social norms, and serve as a powerful catalyst for promoting gender equality and empowering women,” Ferguson said. “By leveraging partnerships with our Generation Equality Allies, we are amplifying our efforts to create a fair and equal world for all.”
The launch event featured a panel discussion titled “A Seat at Every Table,” where Generation Equality Allies shared their insights and experiences on leveraging social media to drive change. The discussion underscored the importance of storytelling, collaboration, and community engagement in advancing the cause of gender equality.
Priya Malik, a poet and spoken word artist renowned for using her craft to challenge societal norms, spoke passionately about the power of words in driving change. “My dedication to women and girls has been central to the stories I tell and the roles I create,” Malik said. “I strive to push boundaries and share the voices of those who are often marginalized and unheard. Partnering with UN Women allows me to amplify these stories on a much larger scale, giving a platform to those tirelessly working towards gender equality.”
Nikhil Taneja, co-founder of Yuvaa, highlighted the need to engage men and boys in the fight for gender equality. “Unfortunately, young men in India and even globally see women’s rights as a woman’s issue rather than a human rights issue,” Taneja noted. “It is crucial to combat this mindset, unpack gendered roles, and involve men in the movement. Through our collective efforts, we can establish a value system that ends gender disparity.”
Masoom Minawala, a global fashion influencer and entrepreneur, reiterated her commitment to using her platform to challenge gender biases. “We must recognize the power of our individual roles,” Minawala said. “My community is my power, and I believe in using my voice to talk about gender biases. It’s about creating a culture where everyone can contribute their full potential, free from gender-based barriers and biases.”
The Generation Equality Allyship initiative marks a pivotal moment in the fight for gender equality in India. By bringing together influential voices and leveraging the reach of social media, UN Women India is catalyzing a movement that transcends traditional boundaries and engages diverse audiences in the push for a more equitable society.
As the world continues to grapple with persistent gender inequalities, the Generation Equality Allyship stands as a beacon of hope and progress. Through this initiative, UN Women India and its allies are not just advocating for change—they are actively creating it. The launch event and subsequent activities are a call to action for everyone to engage in this critical conversation and work together to build a future where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a reality.
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