March 8 commemorates International Women’s Day. This year’s theme of #ChoosetoChallenge reminds us of what we aim to do at the Koukash Consultancy. We strive to confront bias inequality and push for a more inclusive environment at work and in our communities.
According to research by the PRCA in conjunction with YouGov, the PR and Communications industry is a female-led industry, with 64% of its employees being women, with an average age of 28.
Despite women making up two-thirds of the industry, representation in leadership and C-suite positions remains low, with reports indicating women make up less than 30% of c-suite positions.
The lack of representation has also been echoed by the CIPR in the UK, which reported in their 2019/20 State of the Profession Survey that the number of women occupying the top Director, Partner or Managing Director roles remains 10% lower than men.
While platforms and groups such as the 30% Club are taking steps to increase gender diversity at board and senior management levels, many organisations in the Middle East and Africa commit to gender diversity in their national economic transformation plans.
According to the World Bank Groups annual Annual Women, Business and the Law report, economies in the Middle East and North Africa see the greatest increase in commitments to fostering women’s empowerment. In tandem with this commitment, they invest in continuous learning programs to empower and support their female workforce.
This approach is crucial, as organisations can #ChoosetoChallenge gender bias through professional awareness and education.
As a facilitator of executive education through the KC Academy, it is clear that equipping women with the skills and tactics required to advocate for themselves through continuing education is a crucial aspect of empowering women and ensuring they are present in all areas where decisions are made – and the PR and Communications industry is no exception to that.
Koukash Consultancy
We advise global brands, business and organisations on reputation, communications and public affairs and partner with them to create impactful communication through our beskpoke solutions.
We specialise in protecting and promoting business, brands and individuals through public relations & strategy development, reputation management, media relations and through leadership, learning & development and executive coaching.
