Women in Public Relations (PR) Ghana, last Saturday organised the second edition of their summit to dissect the discourse of women participation in the public relations practice in Ghana.
The yearly event, is aimed at convening a gathering of women PR practitioners, students as well as others in the media and corporate communications to share ideas and opportunities while challenging each other towards success.
“But what can we do to create more opportunities for women to be PR leaders?” said, Adiki Ayitevie, speaking at the second edition of the summit in Accra.
Madam Ayitevie said women need to strategically position themselves to make progress in the workplace, though much progress has been made by women in the workforce, sexism is still an issue for many organizations.
She said the PR field is gradually becoming an integral part of the management strategy of most organisations and women ought to take up the mantle to become change leaders in the field.
According to the 2014 World PR Report, only 30 percent of all global PR agencies are run by women. Women hold 85 percent of all PR jobs, and 59 percent of all PR managers are female.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics on the hand, indicates that women account for 63 percent of public relations specialists, while another study by Syracuse University estimates that these numbers reach up to 85 percent.
Shamima Muslim, convener for Alliance for Women in Media said despite the growth in size and scope of the PR industry, enthusiastic participants need to be counselled to adapt to the more complex and challenging environment of PR.
Thabisile Phumo, Vice President & Head of Stakeholder Holder Relations, Sibanye-Stillwater in South Africa said for women to thrive in PR, it is important for them to position themselves to know the fundamentals of their trade.
“Successful organisations and high performing teams require PR that supports the delivery and understands the strategy of the organisation in achieving its set goals” she said.
Ms. Faith Senam Ocloo, founder of Women in PR said the aim of the event was to bridge the gap between women practitioners in PR and students who may want to venture into the field.
“We decided to provide women with the core bit of PR which is through networking and dialogue, adding subsequent mentorship sessions and opportunities will be offered to women to help them thrive in PR,” she concluded.
By Mawuli Y. Ahorlumegah
