"Focus on the importance of gender equality in leadership positions, particularly in the corporate world," says Melissa Hourigan, Senior Vice President and Head of Media Strategy at Fabric Media. In a recent interview with CommPRO, we asked Hourigan what should be the key messages for Women’s History Month in 2024, and what outcomes would you like to see by the end of the year underscoring the significance of Women’s History Month.

Hourigan highlighted this as a critical time for reflecting on and advocating for gender equality in leadership roles. "In 2024, as we celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s crucial to spotlight the progress made and the challenges that persist," she remarks, pointing out the alarming statistic that "only 10.4% of Fortune 500 companies are led by women." This figure gains significance considering the recent uptick in female leadership, with a quarter of the 52 female CEOs stepping into their roles in 2023.

Beyond the numbers, Hourigan views Women’s History Month as an opportunity to celebrate women's contributions across all sectors, advocating for the recognition of those who, beyond the C-suite, lead with empathy and drive their teams and businesses forward. She called for a reflection on the achievements and the unnoticed efforts of women, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive celebration of their roles in history and today's corporate world.

Hourigan envisions 2024 as a pivotal year, urging for a "call to action - working towards policies that promote gender diversity in leadership, especially in Fortune 500 companies." She advocates for creating inclusive workplace cultures that recognize and value diverse contributions, paving the way for future generations.

Hourigan, with over two decades of experience in high-tech and startup PR, has played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of major companies, influencing consumer experiences and business dynamics. Her expertise is further validated by Fabric Media's recent achievement, being ranked second in the top 10 US Public Relations Companies of February 2024 by CommunicationsMatch™, a recognition based on the platform's user search and engagement metrics. Her message clearly resonates with the ethos of Women’s History Month, serving as a catalyst for change and progress towards gender equality in the corporate sphere and beyond.