Championing Gender Diversity in Communications and Public Affairs

This week, we’re celebrating International Women’s Day. The day itself provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate women from all walks of life. But more importantly, to reflect on the progress made towards gender equality and to acknowledge the work that still needs to be done.

In the European Union, women earn on average 12.7% less per hour than men, a disparity that has remained relatively unchanged over the past decade. As of April 2024, the gender pay gap among full-time employees in the UK stood at 7.0%, a slight decrease from 7.5% in April 2023.

Clearly, the work isn’t done yet.

And across the global communications and public affairs sectors, women continue to drive change, challenge outdated norms, and shape the future of their industries. At Hanson Search, gender diversity is more than a discussion point; it is fundamental to the way we work, the organisations we support, and the change we want to see.

Female Leadership at Hanson Search

Hanson Search has long championed female leadership, not just within the industries we serve but also within our own organisation. Alice Weightman, our founder and CEO, has built a business rooted in fairness, excellence, and inclusion. A respected voice in recruitment, Alice has been a dedicated advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout her career. She is a fellow of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, a member of the 30% Club, and an ambassador for the Ideas Foundation. She is also a recognised leader in the tech space, with global networks across technology communities, and is a member of Snowball, the British American Partnership, and Women in Climate.

Her contributions to the industry have been widely acknowledged, including being named Entrepreneur of the Year at the FSB London Business Awards and receiving Digital SME of the Year at the Digital Awards.

Her leadership reflects the company’s ethos: ensuring that talent is identified, nurtured, and placed in roles where they can have the greatest impact.

Supporting Women in PR and Public Affairs

Beyond our internal leadership, Hanson Search actively supports initiatives that foster gender diversity across communications and public affairs. Our work with Global Women in PR is one example. Having played a key role in establishing its presence in France, I have seen first-hand how vital these networks are in creating opportunities, building confidence, and driving real change. Our colleague Felice Hurst led the launch of Global Women in PR in Dubai, and Alice is currently working closely with the organisation to further its mission.

Women in Public Affairs (WIPA) is another initiative that aligns closely with our values. Janie Emmerson, our Managing Partner, was instrumental in founding the organisation 12 years ago, recognising the need for a dedicated space for women in the sector to connect, share experiences, and advocate for better representation at senior levels. Public affairs, like many other industries, has historically been male-dominated, particularly in leadership positions.

Change is happening, but not quickly enough. That is why I am now leading the launch of WIPA in Brussels, extending the network to support women across Europe.

Addressing Gender Equality in Brussels and Beyond

Last year, we hosted an event in Brussels that brought together over 50 public affairs and policy professionals for a discussion on gender equality in the sector. The panel featured industry experts who shared their insights and experiences, providing a platform for an open and honest conversation between women and men in the field. A key takeaway from the discussion was that Brussels, and Europe more broadly, lags behind the UK and the US when it comes to addressing gender equality within public affairs.

Many of the challenges that women face — unequal pay, lack of representation in senior roles, and limited access to influential networks — remain deeply entrenched. The event reinforced the importance of creating spaces where these issues can be addressed openly, and where practical solutions can be explored. The upcoming launch of WIPA Brussels is a direct response to this need, and I look forward to seeing how it can help drive meaningful change.

Driving DEI at Hanson Search

Commitment to diversity must go beyond external partnerships and industry discussions. At Hanson Search, this is embedded in how we operate. Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion pillar, led by Amy Hayer, ensures that we are holding ourselves to the highest standards, continually evaluating our own practices, and supporting our clients in building diverse teams.

We take pride in our placement statistics, which reflect our efforts to improve gender balance across leadership positions. Representation matters, not just as a statistic but in shaping the decision-making processes that influence industries and policies. Our clients understand that diverse leadership leads to stronger businesses, more innovative solutions, and better outcomes for the sectors they serve.

The Work Ahead

Progress in gender equality cannot be left to chance. It requires sustained effort, clear commitments, and action. While there is cause for optimism, particularly in the growing recognition of the value that diverse leadership brings, there is still much to be done. The barriers that have historically limited women’s progression in public affairs and communications are shifting, but they have not disappeared. Networks, mentorship, and targeted support will continue to be crucial in driving change.

Hanson Search remains committed to advancing gender diversity and supporting the next generation of female leaders. Through our partnerships, our internal initiatives, and the work we do every day with our clients and candidates, we are determined to play our part in building a more equitable future. The conversations around gender equality are important, but they must translate into action.

That is the work that continues, today and every day.