Prime Video‘s ‘Maitri: Female First Collective’ recently held its inaugural session in Chennai, marking a significant milestone for the initiative.

‘Maitri’, launched last year, provides a safe space for women in the Indian media and entertainment industry to share their experiences, challenges, and successes while offering their perspectives on creating positive change.

The session brought together eight accomplished women from various entertainment sectors, including renowned actors like Malavika Mohanan, Aishwarya Rajesh, and Madhoo, as well as influential figures behind the camera like Reshma Ghatala, Swathi Raghuraaman, and Yamini Yagnamurthy.

Aparna Purohit, the creator of ‘Maitri‘ and head of India Originals at Prime Video, and Smriti Kiran, the creator and curator of ‘Maitri’ and founder of Polka Dots LightBox, also participated.

During the session, participants openly discussed the prevailing gender dynamics in the film industry and the challenges faced by women professionals, such as stereotypes, colorism, and ageism.

They emphasized that these issues affect women regardless of their roles in front of or behind the camera. The participants also explored the essence of feminism and empowerment, advocating for equal opportunities without gender-specific categorizations, the company said in a statement.

The discussion shed light on the transformative role of streaming platforms in improving female representation and providing diverse storytelling opportunities.

Equitable representation, according to Aparna Purohit, not only inspires young girls but also fosters an environment where women can shape the industry and open doors for others. Purohit acknowledged that change takes time and emphasized the importance of continuing these conversations nationwide.

Smriti Kiran emphasized the need for spaces where women can share their stories without fear, fostering an environment conducive to change.

She expressed enthusiasm for Maitri’s expansion across different regions, connecting women from all walks of life through dialogue and collaboration.

Prime Video remains dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in its content and productions, as well as in its partnerships within the creative community.

Maitri: Female First Collective serves as a platform to highlight the significant role women play in the entertainment industry and encourages further awareness and progress in this regard.