Laadli - A Population First Initiative

, 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.

, 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.