The Role of Academia in Empowerment and Leadership for the Professional Profile of Women in Advertising and Public Relations

This research examines the role of academia in shaping the professional profile of women in Advertising and Public Relations, focusing on empowerment and leadership from a gender perspective. Although the inclusion of gender perspectives in education in Mexico is relatively recent, it remains a priority in professional training. Education plays a crucial role in women’s development and in building structures that strengthen more equitable power relations. While women make up 65% of the workforce in Public Relations, only 20% hold senior positions, highlighting the need for changes in academic training to foster equal access to leadership roles. To address this, 106 surveys and 5 interviews were conducted with graduates in Xalapa, Veracruz (2021). Findings reveal progress in empowerment and leadership, yet persistent barriers remain. These results underline the importance of academic strategies and public policies that promote gender equity and support women’s advancement into higher-level positions.