International Women’s Day 2018: PR Women, Part 3

It’s International Women’s Day.

Women make up the majority of the UK’s PR industry, but get paid significantly less. Sexual harassment is endemic and assault all too common. Women continued to be overlooked, underrepresented and side-lined.

This #IWD2018, we’ve spoken to a number of leading women in comms to find out what it is like for women in this industry, their thoughts on International Women’s Day, and advice for other women who want to enter the world of PR.

This is part three. Read part one and part two. 

Jenifer Stirton is the Director of Stockbridge PR

The recent PRWeek/PRCA/Women in PR sexual harassment survey makes for grim reading. What’s it like working as a woman in the PR industry today?
I have worked in the PR industry for over 30 years and I love it. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t still be working in it. But I did learn early on that I had to do more than my male colleagues if I wanted to progress and there was no room for shrinking violets. I had to speak up and challenge why I couldn’t lead on an issue or apply for a more senior role that was in an ‘all male team’.

But things need to change. The pay gap is totally unacceptable in any industry and all women in PR should be given the same career opportunities and salary increases as our male colleagues, based on ability and achievement not the tap on the shoulder from ‘the boys club’.

We also need to work together to stop sexual harassment wherever we witness it and support each other by calling it out when it happens. If we don’t talk about it and challenge that behaviour then nothing will change.

The first Equal Pay Act was passed in 1970 (thank you Barbara Castle) and while that was a huge milestone for working women we still have a way to go to achieve ‘proper’ equal pay.

How would you use public relations to promote International Women’s Day?
To shout from the rooftops and every channel what women have achieved against great adversity with lots of everyday examples/role models that everyone can relate to and with a key message that we can and will do more if we all work together to eradicate inequality.

The Time’s up movement is really starting to drive change in the entertainment industry and I think it’s a great example of women coming together to say no more with open and vocal support from male colleagues.

In the anniversary of women getting the vote – against insurmountable odds – we can be a force for positive change in other areas.

What advice would you give women who want to enter the PR industry?
Don’t be put off by recent surveys. Change is coming and we are all pushing hard to achieve that. You will meet some great inspirational people and be inspired by them and learn new things every day.

Work hard, respect each other, don’t accept second best, get a good network you can turn to for support and advice – and always challenge inappropriate behaviour wherever you find it.

Sarah Stimson is the chief executive of the Taylor Bennett Foundation

The recent PRWeek/PRCA/Women in PR sexual harassment survey makes for grim reading. What’s it like working as a women in the PR industry today?
It is grim reading indeed, but I don’t think it’s a huge surprise to women in the industry. There is increasing support for women with returnship programmes, more agile working across agencies, and support from organisations like Women in PR, the CIPR and PRCA. The transparency around harassment can only be a good thing, and more organisations will take steps to tackle it. More women than ever are reaching the top of the profession, although there is still some work to be done, so the future is bright for women entering the industry.

What advice would you give women who want to enter the PR industry?
Network endlessly. Find female PR practitioners you admire and build relationships with them – social media makes that pretty easy these days. Beware of imposter syndrome and take credit where it’s due. As you progress in your career help other women entering the industry – don’t pull the ladder up behind you.

Jennifer Thomas is the Head of Internal Communications, Experience & Sustainability at Direct Line Group

The recent PRWeek/PRCA/Women in PR sexual harassment survey makes for grim reading. What’s it like working as a woman in the PR industry today?
There are many positives to working in such a dynamic industry where reputation is key to the success for any business. Women have a real seat at the table and a very important role to play in helping organisations build on their brand and reputation. I believe we see the world through a different lens and can bring a business to life through its customers’ eyes in a unique way. However, the recent survey clearly highlights there is still some way to go to ensure women are not only safe in their working environments, but that they feel truly empowered within the industry… this dynamic must shift.

How would you use public relations to promote International Women’s Day?
IWD presents an opportunity for us to reflect on how far we have come, but to also re-evaluate what is needed to continue to #PressforProgress. It’s also a day to connect with our male allies and advocates, of which there are many. A PR campaign that not only reflects on our amazing women, but also showcases our male allies would be powerful. We will achieve greater change faster if we work together rather than against each other.

What advice would you give women who want to enter the PR industry?

1. Shine, fine tune your trade and always be amazing at your job
2. Be resilient, take risks, but stay true to who you are
3. Network, network, network – find your allies and cheerleaders!