Women in PR (WIPR), the not for profit advocating for greater diversity and numbers of women in leadership in the PR industry, has launched a new survey to uncover the experience of ageism in the industry. 

The group has teamed up with Opinium to delve into the issue, with support from Ellwood Atfield. The research is the result of insight from WIPR which shows that ageism is still one of the top challenges cited by members. A fact that underlines that gendered ageism is still taboo in the creative industries. 

To better understand how ageism is shaping women’s experiences of ageism impact their ability to thrive in the industry the research aims to uncover the untold stories of women’s experiences. 

WIPR is focused on dismantling the barriers which stand in the way of its goal of seeing more diverse women in leadership roles in PR. These barriers include Ageism, race, caring responsibilities, women’s health, pay gaps, sexual harassment and bias.

The latest IPA Census revealed just 6.7% of employees are aged between 51 and 60. While the number aged 51 and over increased from 1,853 in 2023 to 2,119 in 2024. Just 1.2% of employees are aged over 61. In an ageing population this disconnect between society at large appears increasingly untenable.

Industry leaders believe that gendered ageism remains a significant issue within the advertising industry. By tackling ageism the industry will be better placed to connect with an ageing society.

Research suggests that ageism disproportionately impacts women in the workplace. A report by The Fawcett Society revealed that 1 in 5 women over 50 have felt forced out of their job due to their age. Globally, the World Economic Forum highlights that ageism disproportionately affects women, compounding other forms of workplace inequality.

WIPR is calling for submissions to the open survey, which closes at the end of the day on February 19th. You can fill out the survey here.