I am proud to lead the Allyship Program at Women In Streaming Media. Our organisation is dedicated to fostering diversity and elevating the visibility of women leaders in the streaming media industry on a global scale. With over two decades of experience in the media landscape, I’ve witnessed firsthand the pivotal role allies play in shaping careers and driving progress.
Gender diversity often exists at early-career stages but falls away at senior levels. In the digital era, streaming media displays significant influence over cultural narratives. Despite its reach, gender diversity remains a challenge with women encountering barriers to leadership and equitable opportunities. Yet, Allyship offers hope for meaningful change aiming to create awareness and encourage consistent personal, relational, and systemic actions.
Allyship to me is more than a concept—it’s a commitment to collaboration and consistent support. It’s a simple action to allow a female co-worker to let her finish her talk in a room filled with males or male leaders with the power to alter policies can support women by listening and learning without viewing it as a personal attack. Throughout my career, I’ve leaned on allies who’ve stood by me, advocated for me, and amplified my voice in rooms where I couldn’t be present. These allies fueled my growth, inspiring me to lead our Allyship Program with unwavering passion and purpose. Hence with the Allyship Program, we encourage male advocates to lead by example and engage others by involving Male Advocates consistently.
Allyship in Action
At the forefront of this movement is our Allyship program which actively engages male allies from the streaming media industry. Through this initiative, we aim to cultivate a culture of allyship and empower individuals to take proactive steps in supporting women’s leadership and representation. Allyship is not merely a buzzword but a tangible commitment to advocating for voices belonging to women in streaming media and dismantling systemic barriers.
Understanding Privilege
Central to our Allyship program is the recognition and understanding of privilege and accepting it that I have privilege. Male allies are encouraged to reflect on their privileges and leverage them to uplift women. Recognising the advantages afforded by gender, race, and other intersecting identities is essential in fostering empathy and driving meaningful change. Diversity is not just gender diversity but also cultural diversity.
Practicing Allyship Daily
Most people want to be allies but very few are taking action. True allyship extends beyond performative gestures or occasional acts of solidarity. Daily practice and intentional actions are required to create a more inclusive and equitable environment. Whether it’s amplifying women’s voices in meetings, advocating for diverse hiring practices, or challenging biased norms and behaviours, every action counts!
Amplifying Voices
One of the most powerful ways male allies can support women in the streaming media industry is by amplifying their voices. This means actively seeking and promoting women’s perspectives, achievements, and contributions. By elevating diverse voices we enrich our industry and pave the way for greater innovation and creativity.
Supporting Representation
Representation matters. Male allies can play a pivotal role in advocating for greater gender diversity in leadership positions, ensuring women have a seat at the table and a voice in decision-making processes. By championing inclusive hiring practices and supporting women’s career advancement opportunities, we can create a more equitable playing field for all.
Creating an Inclusive Space
Finally, allyship is about creating inclusive spaces where women feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. Male allies can actively challenge and confront sexism, harassment, and discrimination in the workplace, fostering a culture of respect and belonging for all individuals.
What Women seek from Allies at work –
- Understanding and acknowledging the privilege
- Active Listening and practising Allyship in daily actions
- Mentorship / Sponsorship
- Sharing Achievements and Spotlights
- Inclusivity without Exclusivity
Conclusion
As we continue our journey at Women In Streaming Media, I am excited to see the impact of our Allyship Program grow and evolve. In the streaming media industry, allyship is not just a moral imperative; it’s a Powerful Leadership tool for driving meaningful change. We invite more male advocates through our Allyship program to join us in this journey towards greater diversity, inclusion, and gender equity. Together we can create a future where all voices are heard, valued, and celebrated.I invite you to join us on this journey and embrace the power of allyship in driving positive change!
Deepali Narsiker
I am a passionate and highly accomplished OTT strategist with extensive experience orchestrating the development, launch, expansion and transformation of diverse multimedia platforms. I have collaborated with content studios and distribution platforms to delineate complex agreements, develop new business strategies and exceed objectives within fast-paced VOD environments.
