Tag: female empowerment

Britannia Marie Gold & IIS launch ‘HerSpark’ to ignite women’s sports careers

MUMBAI: Some sparks start wildfires, and Britannia Marie Gold, in partnership with the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), has just ignited one with ‘HerSpark’—a groundbreaking sports scholarship programme exclusively for women athletes in India. Designed to scout, train, and propel future champions, this initiative provides a fully funded three year scholarship worth Rs 45 lakh to young women eager to break barriers in boxing, swimming, judo, athletics, and parasports.

Through this initiative, female athletes across India will gain access to world-class training, coaching, lodging, nutrition, and educational opportunities. And it gets even better—athletes will train under legendary Olympians and Continental champions, including Mamuka Kizilashvili (Judo) and Yoandris Betanzos Francis (Athletics), ensuring they receive the highest level of mentorship.

HerSpark isn’t for the faint-hearted—it’s designed to find the best. The selection process unfolds across multiple stages:

. Over 1,000 shortlisted athletes will compete in round one selection trials at IIS centres across India.

. Those who qualify will advance to two-day regional selection camps at eight key locations.

. The top contenders will undergo an exclusive three-week elite training camp at IIS Vijayanagar.

. Only the best will win the coveted three-year scholarship—setting them on a path to national and international glory.

The HerSpark scholarship is open to Indian female athletes aged 14 and above. Minors (under 18) require parental or guardian consent. Applications are available via the official HerSpark website.

Britannia Marie Gold has long been a champion for women’s empowerment, leading initiatives such as HerStartup and Her.Store to foster financial independence and entrepreneurship. Britannia Industries general manager – marketing Siddharth Gupta reaffirmed this commitment, “Britannia Marie Gold believes that every woman possesses an innate spark—the potential to achieve more. With ‘HerSpark,’ we extend this commitment to sports, providing young female athletes with the opportunity, training, and mentorship they need to reach their highest potential.”

IIS president Manisha Malhotra echoed this enthusiasm, “We at IIS are thrilled to join hands with Britannia Marie Gold—a brand that is doing so much to empower women. Through this partnership, we are launching a nationwide scouting programme to identify young female athletes and equip them with the skills and guidance needed to succeed on the biggest stage. We cannot wait to see the success that comes out of this effort.”

Founded by JSW Group, the Inspire Institute of Sport is a privately funded Olympic Sport Programme with a high-performance centre in Vijayanagar and satellite centres across Manipur, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Odisha.

With HerSpark, Britannia Marie Gold and IIS are not just offering scholarships—they are shaping the next generation of champions. So, young women of India, are you ready to unleash your spark?

March 17, 2025
Cinépolis brings women-centric classics back to the big screen for Women’s Day

MUMBAI: A woman’s story is no longer yours to tell—now, she writes her own.

Great stories deserve a second act, and this Women’s Day, Cinépolis India is making sure iconic women-led films get their encore. In a tribute to women who write their own narratives, the multiplex giant is rolling out a special re-release of Highway, Lootera, and Queen across its theatres. The goal? To honour women’s strength, resilience, and relentless pursuit of independence—on-screen and beyond.

And what’s a celebration without a little treat? Cinépolis is offering a 50 per cent discount (up to Rs 100) on ticket bookings made through its website and app using the code ‘WDAY50’—because a cinematic experience this empowering deserves an audience.

Cinépolis India MD Devang Sampat put it best, “As a brand deeply passionate about storytelling, we recognise the immense power of narratives that inspire and empower. This Women’s Day, we are proud to celebrate women who take charge of their own stories, both on-screen and in real life. Through our special film lineup and digital campaign, we hope to encourage conversations that drive change and amplify the voices of women everywhere.”

But the storytelling doesn’t stop at the box office. Cinépolis has also launched an evocative digital campaign titled ‘Now, She Writes Her Own Story’. The campaign reflects on a long-standing reality: for generations, a woman’s journey was dictated by external forces—her choices, her roles, even her attire. But times have changed, and so has the script.

Cinépolis understands that while life isn’t a film, society has long treated women’s lives like one, complete with outdated plotlines and predictable tropes. But the modern woman is tearing up the old screenplay, stepping into the director’s chair, and redefining what it means to be truly free.

Adding a star-studded endorsement to the celebrations, actor, producer, and director Divya Khosla Kumar shared her admiration for the initiative. She applauded Cinépolis for recognising and honouring women’s stories, both through cinema and through the wider conversation it inspires.

So, grab your tickets, claim your discount, and settle in for a powerful Women’s Day celebration. The credits are rolling on outdated narratives, and the future? It belongs to women, on-screen and beyond.

March 8, 2025
Zindagi DTH celebrates women’s month with iconic female-led dramas

MUMBAI: March isn’t just another month—it’s a time to celebrate resilience, strength, and the captivating stories of women who dare to defy norms. And what better way to do that than with an electrifying lineup of women-led dramas? Zindagi DTH is rolling out an unforgettable selection of shows under the theme Mein Aur Meri Dastaan, featuring powerhouse performances, gripping narratives, and female protagonists who refuse to fade into the background.

Leading the charge is Pani Jaisa Pyaar, a drama that dives deep into love, sacrifice, and destiny. Starring Saba Qamar, Mikaal Zulfiqar, and Ahsan Khan, this poignant tale follows Sana, a young woman torn between societal expectations and personal dreams. Get ready for an emotional rollercoaster as her journey of resilience and heartbreak unfolds on 18 March 2025.

For those who love a good mix of heartbreak and hope, the fan-favourite Mere Humsafar makes a grand return. Starring Hania Aamir and Farhan Saeed, this tearjerker follows Hala, a woman navigating life’s challenges while searching for her place in the world. Prepare to be mesmerised as the drama airs on 16 March 2025, in Zindagi’s Jashn-e-Superstar slot.

Adding some lighthearted yet thought-provoking drama to the mix is Kuch Ankahi, featuring the dynamic duo Sajal Aly and Bilal Abbas. This modern drama balances career struggles, relationships, and the evolving role of women in society, all while maintaining a refreshing touch of humour. Available for streaming from 9 March 2025, this is one comeback you won’t want to miss.

Talking about her role in Mere Humsafar, Aamir shared, “Playing Hala has been an emotional and thrilling journey. Her resilience, strength, and ability to find hope in the darkest times mirror the spirit of so many women around the world. I’m honoured to be part of a story that continues to resonate with audiences and celebrate perseverance.”

But that’s not all. The celebration of women continues with even more riveting dramas: Inkar, starring Yumna Zaidi and Imran Ashraf, streaming from 15 March 2025; Baaghi, led by the unstoppable Saba Qamar, airing on 22 March 2025; and Ayesha, starring Yasra Rizvi and Sarmad Khoosat, hitting screens on 9 and 23 March 2025.

Catch all these iconic dramas exclusively on Zindagi DTH or head over to Zindagi’s Youtube channel for a binge-worthy experience. This women’s month, brace yourself for powerful stories that inspire, challenge, and celebrate the indomitable spirit of women.

March 3, 2025