What makes it easy for women in PR

In the realm of public relations (PR), women are finding an increasingly welcoming environment—one where they outnumber men. Over the years, the industry has not just evolved in terms of the value that it brings to companies, but also shown how to create a more gender-equal ecosystem. The rising presence of women professionals in the Indian PR sector is ushering in a wave of change. Their contributions go beyond breaking stereotypes; they enrich communication strategies with diverse perspectives, assume leadership positions, and foster mentorship for aspiring professionals.

In the dynamic world of public relations, success often hinges on a combination of skills, including emotional intelligence, collaboration, and resilience. Women, in particular, possess these innate qualities that make them uniquely suited to thrive in PR roles. They have been leveraging these attributes to navigate challenges, build relationships, and drive impactful outcomes.

Emotional Intelligence – In an era characterised by rapidly evolving communication channels and an increasingly discerning audience, public relations professionals find themselves navigating a landscape that demands more than just technical prowess and strategic acumen. It calls for a deep understanding of the human element, a skill that rests on the bedrock of emotional intelligence (EI). Emotional intelligence, with its components of self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills, plays a critical role in public relations. Its influence permeates every aspect of PR, from crafting resonant messages and handling crises to cultivating strong relationships with stakeholders. To build strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, and the public, it is essential to understand and manage emotions. Further, Public relations has been ranked as one of the most demanding professions globally. Women are recognised for their adeptness in managing stress with composure and rationality. Women are often characterised by their high EI, which equips them to adeptly navigate complex interpersonal dynamics with finesse. This ability to understand and manage emotions, both their own and those of others, allows them to establish rapport, build trust, and communicate with empathy, all of which are critical in nurturing meaningful connections with clients, media partners, and stakeholders.

Resilience – Resilience is a hallmark of success in PR, where professionals often encounter setbacks, crises, and high-pressure situations. Women demonstrate remarkable resilience in the face of adversity, drawing upon their inner strength, determination, and adaptability to overcome challenges. Whether navigating media storms, managing client expectations, or handling demanding deadlines, women in PR exhibit tenacity and fortitude that enable them to persevere and thrive in the most challenging of circumstances. Moreover, resilience in PR is not solely an individual trait but is also significantly influenced by strong relationships and networks. Women tend to cultivate and augment resilience through their diverse interactions with people in both personal and professional spheres. These connections enable them to navigate and mitigate work demands effectively, adjusting the scale of challenges they face and pushing back when necessary. They leverage their resilience to navigate complexities, thrive under pressure, and drive positive outcomes in their professional endeavours.

Collaboration Skills: PR is inherently collaborative, requiring professionals to work closely with diverse teams and stakeholders to achieve common goals. Women excel in fostering collaboration, leveraging their natural inclination towards relationship-building to bring people together and drive collective success. By cultivating a culture of collaboration, women in PR foster environments conducive to creativity, idea generation, and the emergence of innovative solutions.

Women have made considerable strides in climbing up the corporate ladder and attaining leadership roles, yet there remain numerous obstacles that require attention and resolution. As the PR landscape continues to evolve, empowering women in the field will be key to driving innovation, inclusive cultures, and shaping the future of the industry. By recognising and harnessing the unique strengths of women—particularly their emotional intelligence, collaboration skills, and resilience—organisations can unlock new opportunities for growth, creativity, and success in the dynamic world of public relations.

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Luna Biswas

Luna Biswas is a seasoned Public Relations specialist with a proven track record of crafting tailored communication strategies to support brands in establishing and safeguarding their reputations in today's dynamic market landscape. As a catalyst for change in an era of rapid evolution, Luna has spearheaded many successful integrated communication campaigns. Her ability to conceptualize, develop, and execute strategies that resonate with diverse audiences has earned her recognition as a trusted advisor in the field. Currently serving as an Independent Consultant, Luna manages the communication mandates for a diverse portfolio of brands, including Mylab Discovery Solutions, Sanskritech Smart Solutions, EFKON-Strabag, and others. In this role, she leverages her expertise to drive brand visibility, enhance reputation, and achieve communication objectives in alignment with each client's unique needs and goals.