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representationmatters

Time to Nike-ify DEI
dei diversity equity inclusion representationmatters By Jo Arden

Why we need to rescue the concept of 'merit' from being solely a Trump card.

The boys’ club still runs Australian advertising—and we’re done pretending otherwise
australian advertising dei female representation representation representationmatters wiedenkennedy wk By Jet Swain

Déjà vu and disappointment: W+K Sydney's all-male team exposes the hollow promises of diversity in adland, writes Jet Swain, who calls for an end to "lip service."

Igniting the spark: A how-to-guide for finding inspiration in project ideation, while embracing your identity
dei diversity inclusion representationmatters By Huitzilli Oronia

Here’s how one native designer brings her full self to her creative work — and how you can, too.

How to fix adland's motherhood crisis
dei equality representation representationmatters sounding board By Matthew Keegan

The impact of motherhood on women's careers in creative fields is undeniable. Campaign Asia-Pacific seeks solutions.

What will it take for female creatives to get the recognition they’ve long been denied?
dei diversity gender equality gender representation inclusion representationmatters sounding board By Matthew Keegan

Following a recent double-page spread that highlighted the glaring lack of gender diversity in the creative industry, Campaign Asia-Pacific asked women creatives in the region about the steps needed to enact real change.

Mastercard highlights value of inclusion in new autism campaign
autism disability hsbc julie nestor mastercard McCann Worldgroup representationmatters valerie madon By Rahat Kapur

EXCLUSIVE: Mastercard’s Julie Nestor talks about the brand’s #AcceptanceMatters campaign which aims to foster awareness and empathy around invisible disabilities.

Unstereotype Alliance unveils guide to tackling toxic reaction to inclusive advertising
representationmatters By Ben Bold

The guide is designed to urge brands to continue producing ethically sound ads while emphasising commercial benefits of doing so.

Chinese-Canadian actor Simu Liu criticises boba brand for appropriating Asian culture
culture food representationmatters By Staff Reporters

In a CBC Dragons' Den episode, Liu criticised the brand's founders for their insensitivity to boba tea's cultural origins—sparking widespread social media support for respecting Asian products and avoiding their exploitation for profit.

The silent exit: Why ageism in advertising continues to force out senior talent
ageism dei representationmatters By Staff Reporters

As adland grapples with an ageing workforce, a new study by the Experience Advocacy Taskforce reveals the exodus of seasoned professionals, driven by age bias and structural challenges.

Heinz faces backlash over negative stereotypes in ad
representationmatters By Evie Barrett

Food company Heinz has apologised after its latest advertising campaign was called out by some for perpetuating racist stereotypes.

An open letter to the men of advertising: Your seven-step plan to end sexual harassment
cannes lions cindy gallop gender equality representationmatters By Cindy Gallop

Cindy Gallop has spent years calling out the ad industry's darkest secret—systemic sexual harassment. Now, she’s fed up with empty promises and inaction: It’s time for men in power to step up, or step aside.

As companies pull back on DE&I, their brands will suffer
dei diversity inclusion representationmatters By Bailey Calfee

Several brands have publicly abandoned DE&I efforts. Marketers warn these decisions will negatively impact their businesses in the short and long term.

Beyond the Paralympics: The business case for disability representation
dei disability diversity inclusivity representationmatters By Matthew Keegan

A pattern exists of brands targeting the disabled community during the Paralympics, but ignoring the community afterwards. Campaign explores what it will take for disability inclusion to become a constant in advertising rather than just seasonal.

Barbie launches inclusive brand campaign geared toward parents
barbie dei diversity representationmatters By Bailey Calfee

The campaign, targeted toward adults with children in their lives, shows Barbie dolls as tools for fueling imagination and confidence.

Does DEI have a messaging problem?
dei diversity representationmatters By Rafael P. Soriano

While Akitsu Consulting's Rafael P. Soriano disagrees with Scott Galloway's comments that DEI leads to 'reverse racism', he admits that those who advocate for DEI are losing the messaging battle.

From sidelines to spotlight: Why brands need to pay attention to women gamers
representationmatters By Gaurav Agarwal

With women breaking stereotypes, it's time brands look beyond gender while mapping their advertising strategies on gaming platforms, says Gamezop co-founder Gaurav Agarwal.

Scott Galloway claims diversity initiatives lead to ‘reverse racism’
dei diversity representationmatters By Brittney Rigby

The marketing professor didn't hold back at an Australian conference, claiming that the 'only position more dangerous than CMO is DEI'. He also added that employers should be focusing on socioeconomic background rather than race.

Developing effective marketing strategies through DEI
advertising dei representationmatters By Campaign Staff

Campaign interviews EssenceMediacom's managing partner and head of strategy, Meha Verghese, and business director, Amanda Ma, on effective DEI strategies through leading a diverse workforce.

The DEI illusion: Why diversity without belonging is a recipe for disaster
dei esg gender equality representationmatters By Rafael P. Soriano

"Often, 'inclusion' is about fitting in, which is very different from belonging," writes Rafael P. Soriano in a compelling op-ed, challenging organisations to move beyond superficial diversity initiatives.

Diversity Talks 2024: Turning challenges into change
dei essencemediacom gen x neurodiversity representationmatters By Campaign Staff

APAC leaders share their thoughts on class-based intersectionality, neurodiversity, and the evolution of DEI in the latest edition of Diversity Talks.

Why we don't see enough Pride marketing in Asia
diversity inclusivity lgbtq marketing pride representationmatters By Joe Tee

RAPP's APAC ECD explains why Asia's marketing campaigns seem to lag behind the growing acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Why being an active ally goes beyond Pride Month
lgbtq pride pride month representationmatters By Aditya Narain

Despite Pride Month being over, Dentsu's Aditya Narain says people need to continue educating themselves about LGBTQIA+ issues, speaking out against discrimination, and standing up for rights in everyday situations.

Why coming out is a continuous journey
lgbtq pride month representationmatters By Sebastian Diaz

A workplace that fosters inclusivity, diversity, and belonging can significantly ease the burden of coming out for LGBTQ+ individuals, says Bench Media's Sebastian Diaz.

Nobody cares that you're an LGBTQIA+ ally
dei pride month representationmatters By Callum Jackson

Companies are talking the talk less and less when it comes to LGBTQIA+ equality, and that’s no bad thing if they aren’t ready to walk yet, much less march.

Do trans people in adland get the workplace support they need?
representationmatters By Shawn Lim

Coming out as a trans person can be scary for individuals who seek to live as themselves. We speak to two trans people at OMG about what a supportive office environment should look like, the importance of policy, and allyship from colleagues.

How I came out in the workplace
inclusion lgbtq pride month representationmatters By Sarah Crabbe

Every LGBTQ+ person has their own choice, timing and path to recognise their sexual identity publicly. Here, the director of HR at DDB Sydney gives her perspective.

Pride marketing: Even the smallest acknowledgement can have the biggest impact
pride pride month representationmatters By Josh Green

Brand support for the LGBTQ+ community in a continuous capacity can be a lifeline for individuals, says the chair of the Media Federation of Australia’s (MFA) diversity, equity, and inclusion advisory panel.

Not dead yet: Is it time for brands to invest more in the over 50s?
ageism dei diversity inclusion representationmatters By Rupert Pick

Age should be seen as a creative asset, not a hindrance to new thinking, Hot Pickle's Rupert Pick writes.

Inclusion drops in Advertising Council’s DE&I census: ‘Average is not good enough’
diversity inclusion representationmatters By Staff Reporters

Create Space Census: Instances of sexual harassment have slightly decreased, but over half of female-identifying respondents still experience being unfairly spoken over or ignored in meetings—a prevalent negative behaviour in Australia's advertising landscape.