Today is International Women’s Day which is an important one for Women in PR. The day has been marked for over 100 years to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. More crucially, International Women’s Day is about inspiring actual transformation and is a call to action for accelerating gender parity.
This year’s theme #ChooseToChallenge recognises that from challenge comes change. Individually we’re all responsible for our own thoughts and actions – all day, every day. We can all choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality. Collectively, we can all help create an inclusive world.
Women in PR’s committee is rising to this challenge, starting with our own #ChooseToChallenge pledges. We hope these provide food for thought about how our members can join us in challenging the status quo and driving meaningful change in 2021.
Anna Geffert
Women in PR President and Managing Director, Hera Communication Strategies
I #ChooseToChallenge the growing inequality for working mothers, because this pandemic has been hard enough without accelerating the loss of brilliant women from our workplaces.
Ngozi Emeagi
Women in PR Vice President and Senior Consultant, Powerscourt
I #ChooseToChallenge harmful gender norms in the language I use, in the roles I adopt both at home and in the workplace, but most importantly in the way I raise my girls. I will continue to raise awareness of the importance of family friendly workplace policies to build a more gender equal society.
Charlie Mulock
Director, Hope&Glory PR
I #ChooseToChallenge myself, I’m my biggest critic, my own personal naysayer. I choose to stamp on the “you aren’t good enough” voice and stride forward with bravery and guts, to help ensure my daughters think everything is possible. If she can, we can.
Kate Clark
Founder & Director, KateClark PR
#ChoosetoChallenge is to #ChoosetoChampion every woman’s success to cheer other woman on. Let’s celebrate loud and lift each other up.
Addy Frederick
Group Communications Manager, Prudential plc
From my sisters, to my mentees, colleagues and friends, I #ChooseToChallenge and continue to encourage and support women to take up space and be seen, to find their voice let themselves and others become accustomed to the sound, and use it, always.
Sophie Raine
Head of Consumer Ketchum
Although I don’t need reminding just how incredible all the women in my life are – I realise that some of them may do. Change needs to start with the realisation of our own potential. So I #ChooseToChallenge the women around me and any limiting beliefs they may hold, I choose to ask the right questions, I choose to celebrate them and their achievements today and every day.
Ronke Lawal
Founder, Ariatu Public Relations
I #ChooseToChallenge to continue to use my platforms to amplify the stories of those who don’t always have access to visibility within PR. I plan to ensure women are seen, heard and honoured.
Natalie Trice
Business and Career Coach for PR Professionals
I #ChooseToChallenge that we can all take action when it comes to equality and I am under no illusion that we still have a long way to go and this isn’t something we can ease up on. As the mother of two sons, I strive each day to show them that an equal world is a better world and I will always challenge those who say otherwise. Together we can make a change for the better and if we choose to challenge the voices and thoughts that say otherwise, we will continue to win.
Sneha Patel
Senior Advisor for External Communications and International Affairs, Mayor of London Office
Women still face far too many barriers to progression in the workplace. With Women in PR, I #ChooseToChallenge employers to introduce the policies and practices that break down those barriers for all women.
Jane Fordham
Partner & Head of People, Hanbury Strategy and People Strategist
I #ChooseToChallenge the systems that perpetuate gender stereotypes so that women and men can be liberated to make life choices unfettered by cultural norms. I will do my bit driving the Women in PR mentor programme, helping brilliant women in the communications industry to reach their leadership potential. Because women don’t need to be fixed and men don’t need to be vilified. We all do better through equality.
