For Women in PR, Success is Our Responsibility
Gender equity in PR – and in business, for that matter – isn’t a new issue. Honestly, I hope for a time when International Women’s Day focuses on the amazing achievements of female leaders and innovators without the need to confront gender inequalities. For now, though, we’ll live with one foot in each camp: celebrating women in PR and challenging our industry to change.
Three Box embraces diverse voices. Read our position on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #ChooseToChallenge, where each person should challenge and call out gender bias and inequality. For women in PR, the industry certainly still has barriers that keep sharp talent from rising to positions of authority.
According to the Public Relations Society of America, women make up two-thirds of the PR industry but are paid between 75% and 82% of their male counterparts. The wage gap is even larger for women of color. Leadership positions, especially in PR agencies, are often held by men.
Equity and lifting women to positions of power is our – all of our – responsibility. As I think across my career, I see incredibly talented women who have paved the way for my own leadership. They showed me what successful women in PR looked like and that it was possible. Men play a very important role, too. I had male mentors who identified opportunities for me and advocated on my behalf for promotions, high-profile assignments and pay raises.
Every one of us must choose to challenge gender bias and inequalities. The problem is too deep, too pervasive to turn with a few micro changes. It will take all of us, working together, to speak up and step up to lift up the women around us.
At Three Box, that starts within our own agency walls. As a certified woman-owned business, Three Box works with clients committed to equitable sourcing. Our team receives market-verified, competitive compensation – based solely on skill and contribution to our agency and our clients. We are actively doing the work in diversity, equity and inclusion, making this a constant, team-wide focus of our professional development program. And, of course, we are continually seeking ways to identify and support brands that share our commitment to equality for women and all people.
So, how do we ensure equity for women in PR? We do the work – on International Women’s Day, and every day. To see our team of talented women in PR, click here and meet our team.