WiM's Report Finds High Rates of Career Dissatisfaction Among Women in Media

A new report released by Women in Media (WiM) says that more than half of women working in the field of media (of the ones surveyed) either feel dissatisfied or are uncertain about their careers.

The report has been created by WiM, a charity. It made public the outcome of their Industry Insight Report for 2023, concluding that almost one-third of women are thinking about leaving their jobs in the next 12 months. Over half of the women surveyed also felt that the media industry’s commitment to gender equality as ‘weak/very weak’.

The second edition of the annual survey intends to bring notice to issues about women across all media, including journalism, communications, production, public relations, publishing and digital media.

Petra Buchanan, Strategic Advisor, Women in Media said that the industry cannot overlook the consistent challenges faced by women in the media industry.

“The findings highlight deep concerns about gender equality and a lack of industry support that continues to hinder women’s career progress,” said Buchanan.

“The statistics speak volumes – with an entrenched gender pay gap above the national average and increased bias and discrimination. It’s a critical moment for employers and the media industry to step up; the departure of women from media is a loss society cannot afford.”

The report concluded that a majority of women want gender pay audits to be implemented to tackle the media industry’s entrenched higher than average pay gap, while two-thirds believe shadowing programs can provide access to leaders and hands-on learning.

“Women want to work in environments where they are active contributors, recognised for their achievements and able to progress in their careers,” she Victoria Laurie, one of the founding members of Women in Media. “The report shows continued dissatisfaction, especially at the middle stages of women’s careers, which needs to be addressed,” she further added.