The media's portrayal of women and its impact on society 

Decades of sexist ads, magazine covers and TV shows have had a profound impact on society's perception of women, as well as women's perception of themselves. The majority of media portrayals depicted women in caretaker roles — like housewives, mothers, and sexy girlfriends — or in typically female jobs like nurses, teachers, or secretaries.  This depiction of women greatly influenced how women were treated in the office, at home, and even in the court. While these depictions have evolved — in part due to an increasing number of women creatives — we have a long way to go to see the image of women truly reflect the women of 2020.

Our speakers addressed the role of public relations in addressing this issue, as well as showcased some of the PR pioneers who worked hard to change the image of women.  

The panel

Paul Holmes, introductory remarks
Founder, PRovoke Media. 

Judith Harrison, keynote address 
Senior vice president, Diversity & Inclusion, Weber Shandwick; President, New York Women In Communications

Dr. Caryn Medved, moderator
Baruch College, CUNY

Dr. Karen Miller Russell
University of Georgia, Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication  

Dick Martin
Former CCO, AT&T, and author of “Otherwise: The Wisdom You Need To Succeed in a Diverse and Divisive World,” “Tough Calls,” and other books  

Thanks to our sponsors

“PR Women Who Changed History 2020” was sponsored in part by Hunter Public Relations, Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication Department of Advertising and Public Relations at University of Georgia; Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies, Public Relations & Corporate Communications, New York Women in Communications, Talkwalker, Page, PR Council, PRSA, The Stevens Group, Black Public Relations Society–New York, and Commpro.biz.