Publish Date: Mar 26, 2025

Several women edited together on a gradient background

#ForAllWomenAndGirls is a rallying call for action on the 30thanniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Harmful stereotypes are one of the root causes of discrimination, abuse and violence in manifold areas, can lead to violations of a wide array of human rights and limit people’s full potential. When brands and advertisers challenge stereotypes, they challenge inequality.

We spoke to industry leaders and experts to understand how their work is helping build a future free from stereotypes. With examples from around the world on capacity building and knowledge sharing, these interviews offer insight into bringing local contexts to global campaigns as well as cultivating community and building capacity.

Several of the Unstereotype Alliance’s national chapters took part in this interview series, showcasing the passion and commitment shared across our Alliance and around the world.

How can the advertising industry help advance rights, equality and empowerment for all?

“It's not just about the messages we put out, it's also about who is creating them.” - Denise Boateng, Talent Programme Executive, Cannes Lions. The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity is a global event for those working in creative communications, advertising, and related fields. We spoke to Boateng about how they are being the change they want to see in the world: taking action to increase representation in the industry, create opportunities for diverse creatives to thrive and eradicate stereotypes. Full interview >

“Because of its reach, the advertising industry can be instrumental in shaping cultural narratives by challenging internalised norms and expectations about what it means to be a woman and a girl.” - Verusha Maharaj, Managing Director, Red and Yellow Creative School of Business. The Cape Town-based school offers courses to both students and working professionals across a range of ages, experiences and backgrounds. We spoke to Maharaj, the about equipping the next generation of leaders with tools they need to drive social change for ALL women and girls. Full interview >

 

What do you think a future free from stereotypes means for all women and girls?

“It means a world where women and girls can pursue their dreams and ambitions without being held back by societal expectations. It is a world where their contributions are valued, their voices are heard, and they can live with dignity and respect. it means equal rights, opportunities, power, and safety for women and girls everywhere.” - Caroline Frankum, Global CEO of Profiles, Kantar. Kantar is the world’s leading marketing data and analytics business and brand partner to 96 of the world’s 100 biggest advertisers. We spoke to Frankum about the importance of data in driving accountability and progress for ALL women and girls. Full interview >

“A future that includes freedom and escape from stereotypes means complete equality. Smashing stereotypes will ensure that women have equal say in the society and feel empowered across demographics and spectrums” - Nina Elavia Jaipuria, Chairperson, Women Empowerment Committee, IAA India Chapter. The International Advertising Association’s India chapter (IAA India) was established over 30 years ago. We spoke to Jaipuria about how IAA India works with the entire ecosystem to establish positive gender portrayals in content across all media platforms and formats. Full interview >

“I strongly believe that a future free of stereotypes for all women and girls is one in which we can empower them in all their diversity and address inequalities with an intersectional, diverse and inclusive perspective.” - Natalia Giraud, Director of Corporate Affairs, Unilever Argentina. Unilever Argentina was one of the founding members of the Argentina National Chapter. We spoke to Giraud about how a global company can make local impacts and continue to support the communities they serve. Full interview >

 

What inspired you to join the Unstereotype Alliance?

“We believe that eradicating stereotypes is essential to building a fairer world where all women have equal opportunities. Together, we can transform narratives and create a real impact on society.” - Ana Fontes, CEO Rede Mulher Empreendedora and Instituto (RME). RME is Brazil’s largest support platform for female entrepreneurship, impacting the livelihoods of over 12 million women in Brazil. We spoke to Fontes, its founder and CEO about her vision for a future free from stereotypes and how RME’s initiatives are helping make that vision a reality for ALL women and girls. Full interview >

“The Unstereotype Alliance fits perfectly with our values ​​and ongoing efforts to challenge stereotypes, promote equality and encourage diversity within our teams and external campaigns. By collaborating with such an initiative, they could further reinforce their commitment to deconstructing harmful stereotypes in advertising and the world of communications.” - Karina Riera, Co-Founder, Alurralde, Jasper & Asociado. Alurralde, Jasper & Asociados, is a strategic communications consultant firm operating in Argentina. We spoke to Riera about the tools they use to push for progress: from workshops to their workforce. Full interview >