India has secured one shortlist in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Lions category at Cannes Lions 2026, taking the country’s overall shortlist tally to 24.
The shortlisted entry, ‘Mothers of Courage – Shifting Societal Norms, One Conversation at a Time’ for Shiksha Chaupal, has been recognised in the Gender Equality sub-category. The campaign has been developed by Mantra Social Services in partnership with ShikshaLokam.
The initiative has focused on encouraging conversations around girls’ education and challenging social norms through a community-led platform driven by women. The campaign has aimed to empower mothers and local communities to advocate for girls’ access to education.
Link to the campaign:
With this recognition, India has added another shortlist to its Cannes Lions 2026 tally. No other Indian entries have secured a shortlist in the Gender Equality category announced so far.
The Sustainable Development Goals Lions celebrate creative work that addresses global challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and recognises campaigns that drive social impact through communication and creativity.
The 73rd edition of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity is being held from June 22 to June 26, 2026, in Cannes, France.
