Global Women in PR (GWPR) Australia has officially launched as a Special Interest Group of the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA), tasked with championing leadership, diversity, and empowerment for women in the PR and communications sector.

The launch is steered by a committee of industry leaders, with representatives from a diverse range of companies including Amber Scotto (Edelman), Angela Scrymgour (ABC), Carden Calder (BlueChip Communication), Dena Vassallo (Society), EJ Granleese (History Will Be Kind), Elizabeth Greene (Microsoft), Elly Hewitt (alt/shift), Jasmine Mobarek (HP), Joanne Painter (Icon Agency), Karina Durham (Palin Communications), Leilani Abels (Thrive PR), Mandy Galmes (Sefiani), Mel Deacon (Elevate Communication), Nicole Phillips (Havas Red), Pam Klioufis (BCW), Sarah Littlefair (Zeno Group), Sarah Macartney (Domain Group), Simone Gupta (Supermassive), Skye Lambley (Herd MSL), and Unjela Kaleem (Miyamoto International).

The Founding Group is led by Committee Chair, Helen Graney, CEO of Weber Shandwick and Jack Morton. An advisory group to the committee will be chaired by Michelle Hutton, Global Chief Client and Growth Officer with BCW Global.

"I am thrilled to be joining as Chair of GWPR Australia. The phenomenal experience and talent of our committee members signals the serious commitment of senior women in the PR and Communications industry to tackle systemic issues, shift attitudes, and drive much-needed change," said Graney.

GWPR Australia said its inception comes at a critical time when the representation of women in senior roles in the PR industry does not reflect the workforce's composition. The group is committed to fostering an environment where more women can step into leadership positions and close the gender pay gap.

The group's inaugural event in October saw over 80 professionals gather at the launch breakfast, held at the PRIA National Conference. Hutton presented insights from the 5th Annual GWPR Global Index Survey, before joining Graney, Kylea Tink MP, and Sunita Gloster on the panel to discuss the impact on the Australian PR landscape.

Membership of GWPR Australia is open to all, with discounts available for PRIA members and Not-For-Profit professionals.

"The momentum and passion behind this initiative has been tremendous and I'm thankful to have a powerhouse group of women committed to driving change in the industry," PRIA CEO, Louise Harland-Cox, said. "Next year will be one of enormous change and celebration for us as an industry body as we enter our 75th year and rebrand as Communication and Public Relations Australia. It feels fitting to launch GWPR Australia on the cusp of this new era, and I look forward to supporting the committee in effecting change."