The much-anticipated ‘We Women Want Festival & Awards 2024’ commenced today at the Taj Ambassador Hotel in New Delhi. Rishabh Gulati, Editor-in-Chief of NewsX, opened the event by highlighting the initiative’s history, which has successfully hosted two conclaves in Delhi and one in Mumbai.
Over the past three years, the ITV Network has expanded significantly, employing 1,100 journalists across nine news channels, five newspapers, and 42 digital platforms. Their YouTube channel alone has accumulated over 200 million views and impressions. This conclave aims to capture a variety of perspectives from women across generations and industries, focusing on advancing women-led development.
Empowerment Through Content Creation
In an exclusive interview with NewsX anchor Asawari Jindal, notable content creators Megha Sukhija, Saloni Gaur, Jaspreet Kaur Dyora, and Kanika Devrani shared insights on the theme “Living Life Through Filters.”
Financial Independence and Respect
Saloni Gaur discussed how content creation can empower women: “It definitely gives you respect once you start earning. When you have money in hand, people start respecting you. This is one of the only professions where women feel safe, at least at home. However, online safety remains a concern due to threats we receive.”
Validating Content Creation as a Career
Megha Sukhija affirmed the legitimacy of content creation: “As far as you are making money from it and creating a living, it should be considered a career. For me, it definitely is because I am earning from it.” Kanika Devrani added, “Yes, content creation is a profession. Luck also plays a big role. People get motivated by seeing my life in Delhi, but some carry a fake perception of it.”
Authentic Content Creation
When discussing authenticity, Jaspreet Kaur Dyora stated, “It’s very complex. We often can’t differentiate between reel and real. While writing, I may exaggerate or include elements that aren’t entirely accurate, but I aim for authenticity.”
Reflecting on the challenges of starting in this field, Saloni Gaur commented, “All you need is a phone. We shouldn’t complicate our lives. I had limited resources, but that was my reality. I believe this field is inclusive; a single woman can run it.”
Guidance For Aspiring Creators
The creators offered advice for those considering a career in content creation:
“Do not enter into this field just because you see someone getting a million views. If you think you can do it, then pursue it. Don’t get trapped by its charm. Be 100% sure before you enter,” cautioned Saloni Gaur.
Megha Sukhija shared her experience regarding family support: “Before entering content creation, my parents wanted me to be an engineer, and I am one. They supported me throughout and never discouraged my content creation journey. I informed them that I would work in content creation while studying engineering, and they were fine with that.” She encouraged aspiring creators to “be real, do not copy others, and follow trends.”
Kanika Devrani reflected on her experience with criticism: “My family and relatives were supportive from the start. They watched my videos even when I received only 100-200 views and motivated me.”
Dealing With Criticism And Stress
Jaspreet Kaur Dyora spoke about handling criticism: “We often express perspectives that can be misinterpreted, leading to criticism. It’s your call how to deal with it. Personally, I don’t care; if I’ve done my work, I’m happy. The cycle begins again the next day.”
#WeWomenWant | Jaspreet Kaur Dyora (@jaspreetdyora) shares how she tackles trolls online. Watch this riveting conversation with @AsawariJindal15 on #NewsX#WeWomenWant #ShaktiAwards2024 #WomenEmpowerment #ContentCreation #Influencers pic.twitter.com/pBGb0zpqIm
— NewsX World (@NewsX) October 14, 2024
Saloni Gaur discussed her experiences with backlash: “When I began doing political satire, people from all sides abused me. Initially, it bothered me, but it doesn’t anymore. We will speak what we should.”
Megha Sukhija suggested two strategies for managing negativity: “First, ignore as much as you can. Second, I hide comments with specific words that I have blacklisted. I don’t take others seriously.”
When asked about their favorite content creators, Megha Sukhija listed Kusha Kapila, Purav Jha, and herself, while Saloni Gaur mentioned Purav Jha, Rooted in Spice, and Carbon in the Garden.
Inspirational Messages for Future Creators
Kanika Devrani advised, “If you are interested, just start doing it.”
Megha Sukhija added, “You should not be afraid of anyone. Hate and love come hand in hand.”
Saloni Gaur encouraged aspiring creators not to feel pressured: “Start with whatever you have.”
Jaspreet Kaur Dyora concluded with a motivational message: “Start giving five minutes to yourself. Manifest the things you want in your life.”
