IIFA 2013 to promote women empowerment

Mumbai: The International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA) 2013 scheduled to be held from July 4-6 at Macau, will be promoting women empowerment. "This year IIFA has taken upon itself to circulate change of women empowerment. There is violence happening against women all over the world," veteran actress Shabana Azmi told reporters here at an event. IIFA embraces the cause of women empowerment and equality. In partnership with Tata Tea`s `Jaago Re` campaign, it aims to create social awakening among Indian women about the change they can bring with the true power of their vote. Women constitute 49 per cent of the voter base and the campaign `Power of 49` emphasises it. IIFA is committed to express `Power of 49`, and provide solution as well, she said. "We all must vote for those politicians who will take the problem of women at top and solve it. We women must try to make a differnce by voting for the right person," she added. Superstar Shah Rukh Khan and Shahid Kapoor will host this year`s IIFA awards. The award show will see performances from Deepika Padukone, Madhuri Dixit and Abhishek Bachchan, Ayushmann Khurrana, Arjun Kapoor, Sushant Singh Rajput and others. Actor-director-choreographer Prabhudeva will perform with Sridevi in a dance item. "I have been part of IIFA awards in the past as a background dancer... I am happy to be in the front this time. This time its going to be different," Sushant said. Ayushmann, who has earlier hosted IIFA awards, is elated to shake a leg at the award ceremony at Venetian Macau. The award ceremony is returning to Macau for a second time this year after 2009. The three day event encapsulates film briefings, fashion events, press conferences, green carpets, film and music workshops. PTI