The advertising industry in this region has plenty to shout about when it comes to gender diversity. We recently interviewed a number of female executives for our annual Women in Advertising issue and there were lots of positive comments about the progress being made.
But no-one will deny there is a lot more work to do in leveling the playing field. We will be publishing these interviews online at Campaign Middle East and in our September issue.
Nindi Sharma, Head of Growth – Gaming and Technology, Stream Shreek
Do you think the industry has become more inclusive?
The advertising landscape has undeniably made strides towards becoming more inclusive. Efforts to portray diverse perspectives and challenge traditional stereotypes have led to campaigns that resonate with a broader audience. However, there’s still work to be done.
What has been your high and low point as a woman in advertising?
Looking back on my experiences, the pinnacle of my career as a woman in advertising/marketing has been observing the transformative influence of the campaigns I’ve been a part of. These initiatives not only defied conventions but also empowered women by spotlighting their strengths and liberating them from conventional roles.
In contrast, my position deviates significantly from the traditional agency role. Notably, the gaming realm exhibits a disproportionate ratio of women in leadership positions compared to their male counterparts. Despite this, the current landscape presents an exhilarating opportunity to break new ground and occupy an invigorating space.
Reflecting on the less favourable aspects of my journey, I view these instances as essential lessons. It became evident that when one finds oneself in an environment where objectives are misaligned, the opportunity for personal growth and success becomes constrained.
This has prompted me to approach my choices regarding industry and agency associations with heightened mindfulness, ensuring that alignment is a central criterion for my decision-making.
“Our collective dedication to cultivating a more inclusive sector has the potential to cultivate groundbreaking ideas and inspire creativity”
What advice would you give to women starting out in the industry?
Have confidence in your capabilities. Remember that knowledge holds tremendous power. It’s perfectly acceptable not to attain perfection immediately; what truly matters is continuously educating oneself and applying that knowledge through market insights.
Don’t hesitate to voice your opinions, share your concepts, and actively pursue mentorship. Build a circle of colleagues and networks who provide unwavering support, magnify your voice, and foster your advancement.
Embrace challenges as chances for growth, recognising that stumbling is part of the process—what truly counts is the determination to press ahead and progress. It’s okay to fall.
What message would you like to give men in advertising?
I’ve had the privilege of partnering with remarkable leaders and trailblazers within the industry who have graciously assumed mentorship roles for me. Our collective dedication to cultivating a more inclusive sector has the potential to cultivate groundbreaking ideas and inspire creativity.
What more can be done to support the growth of women in the industry?
Implementing mentorship programmes customised to women’s career paths and cultivating an atmosphere that values diversity while emphasising a balanced work-life dynamic will inherently attract and retain a talented cohort of women professionals.
Gaming has generally been dominated by men; how do you make your space in it?
By actively engaging in gaming communities, advocating for diversity, and showcasing expertise, women have the potential to carve out their own niche. Participating in online forums, sharing insights, and collaborating on projects can play a pivotal role in dismantling obstacles and contributing to a more inclusive gaming landscape.
Within MENA, there has been a notable surge in women in the gaming community. Remarkably, women make up 20 per cent of this community. With governmental backing for events like the Dubai Esports Festival and various other events, there has been a substantial upswing in these statistics.
