After 14 years in the trenches of PR, corporate communications and Journalism, I’ve heard it all. “Oh, PR? That’s a women’s profession, isn’t it? All those relationship skills…”
Well, I get it. We are good at building connections. But let’s be real—that’s just scratching the surface. This “women’s profession” label? It’s a double-edged sword, and frankly, it’s starting to grate.
PR Isn’t Just About Talking—It’s About Strategy (And High Stakes)
Yes, we communicate. That’s our bread and butter. But to reduce PR to just “talking” is like saying a surgeon just “cuts things.” We are not just crafting press releases and sending out tweets. We are in boardrooms, advising CEOs on reputation risks that could sink their companies. We are managing crises that make or break entire brands. We are shaping public opinion, navigating complex stakeholder landscapes, and dealing with industry disruptions that would give most people a migraine.
Think about it: high-stakes decision-making, business strategy, and the ability to stay cool under pressure while making the impossible happen overnight? That’s our daily grind. Yet, because PR is often seen as a “women’s field,” it gets dismissed as a lightweight profession. You don’t see anyone questioning the strategic importance of finance or law, do you? So why are we still fighting for that same level of respect?
Women in PR: Not Just Good Communicators, But Game Changers (And Tech Wizards)
The idea that we are here just because we are “naturally good with people” is not only outdated, it’s downright insulting. We are here because we are sharp, analytical, and we can spot potential risks and opportunities miles away. We navigate crises, build corporate trust, and influence policy. We are not just “good with words”—we are strategic thinkers who can move the needle.
And let’s not forget the tech revolution happening in PR. We are leveraging AI for media intelligence, diving deep into analytics to measure impact, and redefining storytelling in the digital age. This isn’t just about crafting a clever headline; it’s about understanding data, predicting trends, and staying ahead of the curve in a constantly evolving landscape.
Changing the Narrative (And Bringing in the Guys)
So, how do we break these stereotypes? First, we need to own our power. PR is a powerhouse profession, and we are not just here because we “fit the role”—we are here because we excel at it. Second, organisations need to start treating PR as a core business function, not just a support role. That means putting PR leaders at decision-making tables and recognising the real impact of reputation management.
And let’s address the elephant in the room: PR needs more men. Not because their presence validates the profession, but because balance in any industry challenges gendered assumptions. The more diverse PR becomes, the harder it is to put it in a box.
So,
PR being a “women’s profession” isn’t the issue—the issue is the assumption that it’s not as important as traditionally male-dominated industries. The truth? We are not just “good communicators.” We are crisis managers, strategists, and industry leaders driving real change. So, the next time someone calls PR a “soft skill” job, let’s set the record straight: this profession is anything but soft (a good laugh)..
And to every woman out there in PR, keep breaking those stereotypes. Keep pushing boundaries. Keep reminding everyone of the real impact of what we do. Because we know the truth: we’re game changers.
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