Unstereotype Alliance Australia, an initiative under the United Nations Women umbrella, will next week reveal the key findings from its inaugural research at the Driving Change Disability Employment Summit at Bondi Pavilion. The first-of-its-kind event exploring disability employment in the film, TV and commercial production industries.

Unstereotype Alliance Australia's research was instigated by Unilever, Mars Wrigley, IPG, Coles, WPP and Ipsos, delves into Australians' perceptions of social equality and representation in advertising.

Key insights, including that 52% of disabled Australians do not feel positively portrayed in advertising and media content, will be presented during a panel discussion at the summit moderated by disability advocate Lisa Cox.

The panel will be joined by disabled actors Sara Shams and Rae Pastuszak, and Shift 20 Initiative Lead (Dylan Alcott Foundation) Priya Addams Williams, as well as Unstereotype Alliance members representing IPG and WPP - Chief Strategy & Growth Officer UM Australia, Raj Gupta, and Innovation Lead Mindshare, Sam Turley.

The panel forms part of Unstereotype Alliance Australia's 'Conversations for Change,' a series designed to inspire the industry and drive positive change. The Alliance's projects such as the 'Inclusion = Income: The Business Case for Inclusive Advertising' research and cornerstone tools like the '3Ps Toolkit' and the recently launched 'Inclusive Media Playbook' will also be explored.

CEO of UM Australia, Anathea Ruys, said: "We are tremendously proud of this foundational research which is designed to be a tool for change and will be leveraged well into 2025 as part of various projects from Unstereotype Alliance Australia. We are honoured to be discussing some of the findings at Bus Stop Film's Driving Change Disability Employment Summit."

Head of Homecare ANZ at Unilever, Lorna Ash, said: "The research highlights how widespread stereotyping remains in Australia media and advertising. As marketers, we have a responsibility not only to represent Australia's rich diversity but also to actively challenge stereotypes in our messaging and content. We aim to raise awareness and take action to move the industry forward."

National Marketing Manager - Loyalty at Coles, Alex Piercy, said: "Eliminating stereotypes in advertising and media starts with brands authentically representing the diverse audiences they aim to connect with at every stage. We hope our research and industry discussions such as this one will encourage agencies and marketers to embrace a more inclusive approach, from the initial creative brief all the way to media investments, ensuring that diversity and inclusivity are foundational, not optional."

Portfolio Director at Mars Wrigley, Michelle Gazzola, said: "The film and advertising industry holds immense power to shape public perceptions, including when it comes to influencing social outcomes for people with disabilities. We're excited for this research to be tabled at this event via a panel of industry experts who share a commitment to enhancing representation in the disability space and beyond."