Entries are now open for the Institute of Advertising Practitioners in Ireland’s Doyenne award, which recognises women making their mark in the Irish advertising industry.

Now in its third year, the award is part of IAPI’s efforts to correct a gender imbalance that is all too familiar. Although there is a 50:50 male- female split in those employed by Irish advertising agencies, just 13 per cent of the senior managers at IAPI member agencies are female.

The institute hopes to incentivise companies to change the status quo by highlighting the achievements and leadership skills of the nominated women.

"Our ambition is not to need these awards over time as the gender balance shifts," says IAPI chief executive Tania Banotti. "A little rallying and encouragement to drive awareness amongst senior leaders of the great female talent is what is needed now."

This year's judges are Colin Gordon, chief executive of Glanbia Consumer Products, Alina Uí Chaollaí, director of marketing at Largo Foods, Google executive Dave Sneddon, Associated Newspapers sales manager Liz Doyle and Orlaith Blaney, former chief executive of McCann Blue and now a marketing consultant.

The first Doyenne award was won by Estelle Gorby from Acorn Dublin, while last year’s title went to PHD’s Gemma Teeling.

The closing date for entries is February 16th and the award is open to women aged 37 and under, with a separate Rising Star award given to those aged under 30 who are on the up. The awards will be held on March 8th, which is International Women’s Day.

Entrants must write a 500- word piece outlining how they have shown leadership and excellence and the shortlisted women must then make a presentation to the judges – two pieces of self-promotion that shouldn’t be too much trouble for anyone working in the advertising business.