For some time now, women have dominated the PR workforce in the United States. Evidence of that is the overwhelming number of women enrolled in higher education public relations programs across the country. The same can be said for the PR workforce in agencies, government, nonprofits and single practitioner offices.

But what of the makeup of the PR workforce in other countries? In male dominated cultures, such as some Arab states, one might think that women are still shut out of the job marketplace. Not true anymore, so says the Bahrain Tribune and Zahra’a Taher.

“From my personal experience in setting up T & M Eventscom, I have discovered that we women in the Kingdom of Bahrain are very fortunate to have such strong support from the government and NGOs, which allow us to excel in all sectors – including the PR and media industry. Moreover, desktop surveys reveal that the Arab PR sector is largely dominated by women,” (Zahra’a) said.

See the entire article here: ‘PR job no more male dominated’ (Page14.pdf) in the Bahrain Tribune, or click the image above and see the article full-sized here. Sadly, no reference to the studies is offered. Perhaps I will write to her and ask.

“Zahra’a (Taher) believes that women face no more challenges in the PR industry than men” in Arab public relations practice. Zahra’a, a Bahraini PR Guru, will speak at the International Public Relations Association-Gulf Council (IPRA-GC) Conference and Exhibition to be held between March 20 and 22. (Source)

Of course, all that being said, one reality seems not to have changed. A male, Thamer Khamis Al-Muqla, is the CEO of T & M Eventscom. So, Arab PR practice may be developing the same characteristics of U.S. PR practice. Men dominate in PR management and ownership. Women dominate in PR practice and direct client services.

Finally, one interesting observation comes from Taher regarding who is best suited to successfully reach Arab audiences. She states, “Public relations centres on being able to reach your target market and effectively communicate your message. In this case, who better to understand the Arab culture than Arabs?” (Source: MENAFN – Middle East North Africa . Financial Network News: ‘PR job no more male dominated’ – Bahrian) I imagine there is a certain truth to that premise. However, it also hints at a bit of ethnocentrism. Still, how often are we guilty of that same ethnocentric (“We can do it. We know best. This will make our audience happy.”) characteristic? Too often, I fear. Read this article about Microsoft’s blunders, for instance, and you may well see that Taher is right.

So, three cheers for Zahra’a Taher and the breakthrough of women in public relations practice in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Anyone know what the breakdown in Europe and Pacific Rim countries is, re: the gender distribution among management, owners and frontline PR practitioners? And what of PR practice in South America and Africa? I have a very difficult time finding significant amounts of information online about those two continents re: PR practice.