Women in PR: Breaking myths, building legacies, redefining success

Over the years, women in PR have not only carved a space for themselves in a demanding industry but have also redefined its landscape. While the strides we’ve made are worth celebrating, it is equally important to broaden the conversation to encompass marketing communications (marcom). Today, brand communication is a multifaceted domain, and women are leading the charge, reshaping narratives, and breaking outdated stereotypes. 

This Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, celebrated today, feels timely to reflect on how women have risen above the challenges of the past and how those challenges are evolving. As leaders, we have a responsibility to shape a culture where these biases and assumptions no longer hold sway. 

The mindset that shapes progress

When I started my career in PR around 2010, discussions around gender disparity existed, but my focus was always on mastering my craft. Back then, I didn’t have the luxury of overthinking disparities; my energy went into working hard, learning the nuances of the profession, and excelling at what I did. 

Somewhere along the way, I realised that how you approach challenges is just as important as the challenges themselves. 

If we think there is gender bias, the question becomes: what do we do about it? It’s not just about waiting for change; it’s about contributing to it. 

For me, this approach is rooted in practicality, not philosophy. In every situation, we must evaluate the intensity of the issue and decide how to address it, whether verbally, through action, or by leading by example. If someone isn’t closed to change, a simple conversation can be the starting point. If not, actions often speak louder. 

From my perspective as a woman entrepreneur dealing with 90% male clients, the matter of gender disparity has significantly reduced, at least in my professional ecosystem. In the last four or five years, I haven’t faced the biases that were once commonplace. This reflects not just societal progress but also the culture we choose to build around us. 

Debunking myths about women in PR

Despite this progress, certain myths about women in PR continue to linger. One of the most persistent misconceptions I encountered early in my career was that women in PR either wouldn’t get married or would marry late because of the demanding nature of the job. 

This perception always struck me as odd. Why should women be judged for their ability to balance personal and professional lives? 

Looking back, I now understand where this myth came from. PR is a time-intensive profession that requires relentless networking, long hours, and unyielding commitment. For many, these demands can complicate personal priorities. Yet, I also see it as a choice, one that women are capable of making for themselves without judgment. 

Another stereotype that used to bother me was the assumption that women in PR use charm or appearance to get work done. This couldn’t be further from the truth. 

PR demands patience, perseverance, and problem-solving skills, not shortcuts or superficiality. Hard-working women have built this industry through sheer grit and professionalism, often making personal sacrifices to climb the ladder the right way. 

And then there’s the laughable myth that ‘good looks’ are a prerequisite for success in PR. If that were true, we’d be hiring based on appearances rather than abilities, which, thankfully, is not the case. 

The foundation of a successful PR career lies in mentorship, learning, and the ambition to grow. Junior professionals, regardless of how they look, thrive when they are trained well and take ownership of their roles. 

The post-pandemic shift

The pandemic brought an undeniable shift in how we view work and the myths surrounding women in PR. Post-2020, a generational mindset shift has begun to dismantle these outdated assumptions. Gen Z, in particular, has played a role in breaking stereotypes by embracing inclusivity and rejecting biases. 

This breath of fresh air has made the industry more dynamic, though it’s not without its challenges. Working with younger generations requires adaptability, but their openness to change has accelerated progress in areas where myths and biases used to dominate. 

The evolution of PR into a broader marcom approach highlights the importance of cohesive brand communication. Women in leadership roles across marcom are blending traditional PR expertise with digital strategy, content marketing, and advertising to create impactful narratives. 

Marcom today is about more than messaging; it’s about shaping culture. Women bring empathy, creativity, and emotional intelligence to the table, enabling them to craft campaigns that connect with audiences while addressing complex challenges. This transition from PR to marcom requires balancing storytelling with data-driven insights, a balance that women are mastering with remarkable success. 

Building a culture beyond gender bias

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my journey has been contributing to a culture where gender bias doesn’t dominate the narrative. When we engage with clients and colleagues of all age groups and mindsets, the onus is on us to create an environment where talent and skill outweigh stereotypes. 

In my experience, addressing these issues starts with perspective. If we encounter bias, we have to choose how to respond, whether by calling it out, taking action, or educating those who are open to change. It’s not always easy, but it’s necessary. 

As leaders, we must build workplaces and client ecosystems where conversations about gender disparity are no longer relevant because meritocracy reigns. The industry needs to move beyond these distractions and focus on what truly matters: the work we do, the values we uphold, and the impact we create. 

The rise of women in PR and marcom is a testament to progress, but the journey towards equity is far from over. While I haven’t faced biases in recent years, I recognise that others may still encounter challenges. Achieving true equality requires systemic change, including addressing pay gaps, increasing representation in senior leadership, and dismantling outdated perceptions. 

This journey isn’t just about policies; it’s about fostering environments where women can lead authentically and without fear of judgment. It’s about recognising the unique strengths women bring to the table, from collaboration to creative problem-solving, and valuing those contributions equally. 

A reflection and a call to action

Being a woman in PR and marcom has always been about more than just doing the job; it’s about breaking barriers, challenging norms, and building a legacy. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside incredible women who inspire me daily with their resilience and innovation. 

At the same time, I’ve learned that change starts with us. Whether it’s addressing bias, debunking myths, or shaping workplace culture, the power to create a better future lies in our hands. 

This Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, let’s celebrate the women who’ve transformed PR and marcom into dynamic, influential fields. Let’s also commit to building a culture where conversations about gender bias become obsolete, not because we ignore them, but because we’ve outgrown them. 

The future of PR and marcom belongs to those who lead with purpose, authenticity, and courage. And as women, we’re not just shaping that future; we’re owning it. 

—Neha Khilnani, founder and CEO, Connekting Dots