Progressions

A Look Back Into Women’s History Month: Women’s Voices in Public Relations

Women’s History Month is in March, a month that celebrates all of the achievements of women over the past years. This also includes all the work that women have played in shaping the field of the PR industry into what it is today. Currently, about 70% of PR professionals are women, which indicates this industry is where various opportunities to elevate women’s voices and push for gender equality lead to inclusive representation in the media world (PRSA, 2023). Despite this strong presence, women still continue facing challenges in leadership roles, pay equity​​ and recognition for their contributions (Global Women in PR, 2022). Women’s History Month is not just a time to celebrate but also a moment to advocate for meaningful change in the PR industry.  

Women’s Impact in PR

Historically, the PR industry has been shaped by women through leading transformative campaigns, changing public perception, and navigating crisis communications. Doris Fleischman, ​Betsy Plank​​​ and Ivy Ledbetter Lee are some early pioneers who created the groundwork for this profession, breaking barriers and redefining the meaning of communication. Doris Fleishman was one of a few people who established PR in the early 20th century yet often remained in the shadows of her male colleagues due to societal norms (Freedman, 2016). Besty Plank, the “First Lady of PR,” strongly advocated education and leadership equity in the PR industry (Plank Center for Leadership in Public Relations, 2021).  

Today, many female professionals continue to enter the industry, making it a space where storytelling is diverse in media. Their impacts include corporate social responsibility initiatives, crisis management​ and digital communications, helping the industry engage with consumers and stakeholders more inclusively (Institute for Public Relations, 2022). As the industry continues to evolve, women’s leadership is crucial to expanding industry standards to be more inclusive and representative.  

The Gender Gap in PR Leadership

Although many female professionals dominate PR, men still hold leadership positions. Many studies show that while female professionals take up most entry-level and mid-level roles, male professionals are in charge of executive and C-suite roles. This creates an issue where unconscious bias, limited mentorship opportunities​ and system barriers stop women’s career journeys.  

PR is a powerful tool that can make a difference in this ongoing challenge, and PR professionals and firms are responsible for addressing this conversation. Authentic storytelling, partnership with women-led nonprofit organizations​,​ and a strong commitment to ​belonging, equity, diversity and inclusion​​ can lead to long-term improvements. For example, PR experts can help close the gender gap through various PR initiatives, such as spotlighting women’s stories when working with a brand (Edelman Trust Barometer, 2023). PR firms should create more mentorship and leadership programs and advance the firm’s policies to ensure fair career equity and lower the chance of pay disparities (Women in PR North America, 2023). These initiatives are important to women employees and consumers that expect transparency​. In addition, many consumers only invest in companies that genuinely care about gender equality and understand the importance of BEDI.

The future is our commitment to progress

The PR industry should continue working toward a future where women from all backgrounds feel ​re​presented and empowered. This is because the success of this industry depends on us, current and future professionals, who influence diverse perspectives and leadership in our society. As ​Betsy​​ Plank once said, “​PR is about human nature, and it thrives on inclusion, communication, and shared success.” Now that Women’s History Month has ended, let’s hope for continued progress toward more achievements of women in the future of the PR industry.