Women in PR (WiPR) launches power list to promote 40 female talent over the age of 40 as part of its campaign to tackle ageism in the PR and Comms Industry

Are you a woman in PR over the age of 40?  Do you consider your career journey, story or achievements outstanding in any way?  Or perhaps you know an inspirational colleague or friend in the industry who fits this bill…

If so, we want to hear from you!

WiPR has opened nominations for the communications industry’s ‘40 over 40’ list, sponsored by Ellwood Atfield, a search and recruitment agency.  This follows the inaugural list published by Women in PR in 2022.

Ageism is still a significant issue faced by women in the PR and comms industry, and a barrier to Women in PR’s mission to help increase the number and diversity of women in senior leadership roles. In fact WIPR’s recent research reveals that ageism is hitting women earlier and harder.

• 78% of women working in comms report that they start to become overlooked at work from 40 years old
• 59% have experienced ageism, up from 41% in 2021
• 77% of those aged 40-49 say ageism impacts job security
• 72% over 40 fear age-related barriers to finding a new role
• Just 11% of organisations have age-related targets in DEI plans

A recent study by Socially Mobile, funded by CIPR, found that almost 4,000 women in England and Wales are missing when it comes to senior roles. The study highlighted a gender gap between junior roles (where women dominate) and senior roles (where there are a higher number of men).

The second edition of Women in PR’s ‘WIPR 40 over 40’ powerlist will celebrate the industry’s older women, shining a spotlight on their stories, and showcase their talent and accomplishments. In doing so, WIPR hope to inspire the next generation of women leaders and shape a brighter future for the sector.

Details on the application process can be found below. Nominations will be judged by a panel of six judges including:

• Ginny Paton, Vice-President Women in PR and Managing Director at Ogilvy
• Jules Shelley, CEO of Ellwood Atfield, recruitment and search agency
• Ann-Marie Blake, co-founder of True
• Farzana Baduel, Founder of Curzon PR and Asian Committee Network
• Sally Walton, Managing Director at SEC Newgate
• Satyen Dayal, Managing Director and DEI champion at Edelman

The 40/40 list will be published, alongside a toolkit with practical tips for employers and employees, co-produced with Ellwood Atfield, in the spring.

Women in PR aims to show that age is just a number and most importantly, help employers to take ageism within the industry seriously as a barrier to equality.

WIPR 40/40 list application process: Here is what you need to know:

Who are the nominations open to?

• PR and Comms professionals over 40 can nominate themselves, or be nominated for inclusion on the list of outstanding women in the industry.
• Women nominated do not have to be an existing member of the network, although we would love them to consider joining.
• WIPR encourages diverse nominations from women representing all parts of our society.

When do nominations close?

Wednesday 30 April.

How to apply

Please send us your nomination answering four questions via this Opinium form. https://survey.opiniumresearch.com/mD2Wsx

Nominees will need to provide their name, job title, company name and we will also ask for voluntary disclosure of some diversity data, including age range.

We also ask you consider becoming a member of WIPR if you are not one already.

What is the selection process?

Applications will be selected through a process which includes a judging panel review applications and review of voluntary diversity data.

What are the benefits to me?

• Visibility of talent on the list and opportunity to have your voice heard
• Meeting other formidable women on the list and share advice
• Expand your networks;
• Practical support on tackling ageism
• Help support WIPR’s work to tackle the barriers to its mission to increase the number and diversity of women in leadership roles in the PR and comms industry