How Women in PR can Bridge Leadership Gap in Nigeria – Expert
Tolulope Olorundero, a renowned PR Consultant and founder of Women in PR, has urged women to strive hard to bridge the gap in leadership positions within the industry.
Speaking to PRNigeria Ladies on Wednesday at the PRNigeria Center Abuja, Olorundero acknowledged that while Nigerian women make up a significant portion of the PR professionals in the country, few reach managerial roles.
She talked about the Women in PR platform, which is specifically designed for female PR professionals to share their experiences, gain valuable knowledge, and build connections and strategic alliances that can advance their careers.
Olorundero, while offering a message of encouragement, industry insights and practical advice, noted that it is important for PR Professionals to understand their roles within organisations to command respect and not be pushed around to carry out menial tasks
“Ideally, you should be included in key conversations to understand the rationale behind business decisions. This allows you to represent the organisation with the same voice and authority as your boss. Unfortunately, some bosses lack understanding of the public relations role, which can prevent you from having these crucial opportunities”, she said.
To achieve success in PR, Olorundero emphasised the importance of confidence, strategic thinking, and building strong networks.
She urged women to advocate for themselves and their qualifications. “In this competitive field,” she stated, “we must be our biggest champions. Don’t be afraid to showcase your expertise and the value you bring to the table.”
She stressed the importance of documenting experiences.
“Women in PR need to start documenting their work,” she said. “No one can tell your story like you can. This will help future generations understand how Nigerian women practice PR.”
Malam Yushau Shuaib, the CEO of Image Merchant Promotion Limited, publishers of PRNigeria and Spokespersons Digest commended her for championing the road to success for women in PR.
He expressed enthusiasm on the upcoming collaboration between the organisations, stating that PRNigeria Ladies will not only join the organisation but also contribute insightful articles to their next set of publications.
By Kabir Abdulsalam
