The Institute of Advertising Practitioners Ireland, (IAPI) has picked up the Gold award at the EACA Best Practice Awards for the Female Futures Fund Programme.
The recognition comes as “a culmination of IAPI’s commitment to addressing gender disparity and empowering women in the advertising, media, and communications industry.”
Launched in 2019 by IAPI and sponsored by Diageo, the Female Futures Fund Programme was born out of “a recognition that despite strides towards gender parity in Ireland, significant challenges still persist. This visionary initiative aims to equip women with the tools and support needed to ascend into leadership roles.”
“IAPI is honoured to receive the Gold award for our Female Futures Fund Programme. This recognition underscores our unwavering commitment to driving positive change and fostering a more equitable industry landscape. We extend our deepest gratitude to the EACA for acknowledging our efforts, as well as to our dedicated team, partners, and participants for their invaluable contributions,” says Charley Stoney, CEO, IAPI.
The award was presented to IAPI in Paris this week by Christian de la Villehuchet, President of EACA and & Tamara Daltroff, CEO of EACA. The EACA Best Practice Awards are designed to honour national associations that drive significant progress and positive change within the industry and broader society.
This year’s jury had the challenging task of assessing each entry against a rigorous set of criteria, focusing on the initiative’s relevance to best practices such as the innovation and creativity of the solution, the effectiveness of the outcomes, and the potential for replication in other markets or usefulness for other associations.
Competing against 26 entries from across 12 other European countries, IAPI emerged victorious. The Silver award was bagged by Poland, while Bronze award was shared by Bulgaria and France.
Now in its fifth year, the Female Futures Fund Programme has established itself as a cornerstone of professional development within the industry, boasting a reputation for excellence and impact. Facilitated by Danica Murphy, founder of PRISM Leadership and Change Consulting, the programme offers intensive three-day workshops focused on addressing challenges such as imposter syndrome, conflict resolution, and honing individual leadership brand and voice. By providing comprehensive workshops and fostering a supportive network of peers, mentors, and inspirational female leaders, the programme not only empowers women but also addresses systemic issues of inclusivity and diversity.
Earlier this week, IAPI announced that a total of 47 judges would preside over the adjudication process for the 2024 Female Futures Fund. Over 60 people applied this year but just 25 will be selected to receive the bursary sponsored by Diageo.
