Gender balance in the PR industry: Are we making progress?

New research from Global Women in PR shows that women in the PR industry worldwide continue to face barriers to career progression after taking breaks for parenthood or mental health. 

Over a third of women (35%) who returned from a career break experienced lower pay than expected, and the same percentage had to start at a lower level. Almost a quarter (23%) were not considered for the position they wanted, while 17% were left out of the promotion process. The research found that 37% of women in the PR industry take career breaks, most often due to childcare (39%) or stress and mental health (35%). Career breaks last an average of eight months, and women in in-house PR sectors (37%) are more likely to take them than those in agencies (28%). 

In addition to the challenges of returning to work, women in PR face issues such as sexual harassment, which remains prevalent in the industry, with many avoiding reporting due to fear, stigma, or lack of support. 

Also, many women are considering leaving the PR industry, especially those over 50 or those working in agencies. 

Global Women in PR President Sue Hardwick urged organizations to promote flexible working practices and provide women with opportunities to advance through mentoring and training, stressing that women should not have to choose between their careers and private lives.