Gender inequality remains a widespread and current issue that effects many professions. Despite being an industry that is 70% female, the PR industry remains one of them.

This February, The Chartered Institute of Public Relations’ (CIPR) State of the Profession survey revealed that men earn, on average, £12,390 more than women. Senior PR roles in particular see men being paid significantly more than women when performing the same roles.

CIPR has announced its intention to address the issue of the gender pay gap, and gender inequality in the workplace as a whole, both for its members and across the PR industry.

On International Women’s Day on Saturday 8 March, CIPR announced its commitment to debate this issue and decide on a path of action. The debate will take place at the next CIPR Council meeting and Sarah Hall, CIPR board member, will lead the discussion.

Sarah Hall, MD of Sarah Hall Consulting says, "Our president has stated that the PR industry stands at a moment in time and that we must embrace professionalism to move from a craft to a profession. He's right. Unfortunately, when it comes to gender equality, we are stuck in the seventies. This is unacceptable. Following the latest CIPR State of the Profession survey, our members have told us in no uncertain terms that they are looking to the Institute to help drive the change that everyone wants to see in terms of equal pay and opportunities in the workplace. We are taking this extremely seriously and will be agreeing key actions at our April Council meeting."

Areas expected to be addressed include: helping organisations with the management of maternity leave and providing support post maternity leave, finding ways to improve transparency and recognise best practice, and promoting female PR practitioners in senior management roles.

CIPR has also launched a survey in conjunction with this effort, in a bid to further explain and resolve the current state of gender inequality in Public Relations.