It can feel quite challenging to find hope and optimism in the world at the moment. However, with International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day both falling just a week apart, it has been heartening to see the groundswell of support for the fantastic women playing such crucial and diverse roles in people’s lives across the world today.
With this year marking the 115th year of International Women’s Day, the theme of ‘Give to Gain’ is an inspiring one and the point made by the organisation that ‘When women thrive, we all rise’ certainly rings true. It was great to see the Campaign team celebrate their picks of inspirational women thriving in adland and beyond in an article this week – such an impressive roster and a reminder that, whilst no industry is perfect, advertising is playing its part in helping women rise.
With research showing that women are responsible for, or influence, roughly 70% to 85% of all purchasing decisions, it’s key that brands should understand where we are coming from and do their best to tap into the female psyche. Saatchi & Saatchi certainly tickled my funny bone with their ‘Daisy May on Mother’s Day’ social campaign that features as our ad in the A, because in challenging times, we all need something to laugh about.
Our must reads:
- Konrad Shek, our Director of Public Policy and Regulation, has described why the advertising industry cannot afford to get AI skills wrong. (Media Leader)
- Congratulations to the agencies, commercial teams and content entries who have been shortlisted in the Campaign Media Awards 2026. (Campaign)
- The cause for the double-digit digital ad market growth is explained by Elizabeth Lane, Head of Insight at IAB UK. (Media Leader)
- Sky discussed successfully revamping their loyalty insights programme using a Tesco tie up at the MRS conference this week. (Marketing Week)
- Following the broadcast of Molly vs the Machines, Rak Patel, Chief Commercial Officer at Channel 4, has made the case for responsible advertising choices alongside effectiveness. (Campaign)
Our pick of the ads:
- Our Ad in the A is Saatchi & Saatchi’s ‘Daisy May on Mother’s Day’ featuring the famous actress and writer for John Lewis.
- Neverland’s ‘Fruit and veg forever’ series for Innocent highlights the important need for healthy vitamins every morning.
- McCann focusses on the feeling of being at home in ‘Coming Home’ for IKEA.
- Radiocentre have spotlighted kids’ online safety in their audio ‘You Won’t Know Until You Ask’ with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
- VML UK has celebrated the biggest fans of Guinness in ‘Guinness Extra’, as part of its official beer partnership with the Premier League.
Dates for your diary:
- On 19 March, the Alliance of Media Independents brings Packing a Punch to London a half-day, no-nonsense deep dive into the strategies, metrics and mindsets that actually deliver. More info here.
- Get your tickets now for Future of Brands on 29 April at 180 Strand. AA members can get a 30% discount by using the code AA30 via this link.
- Tickets are selling fast for our Media Business Course, taking place from 7-10 July. Book your place here.
And finally… Work is about to begin on the next wave of the ASA awareness campaign, reminding people that advertising across all UK media is regulated, which we know has a significant impact on people’s trust in the ads they see – and a trusted advertising ecosystem benefits everyone. If you would like to find out more or would be able to donate inventory to the campaign, please do get in touch with me at the AA. And speaking of the ASA, they have just published some egg-cellent guidance to help with your Easter promotional advertising campaigns – which is well worth a read.