Feminisation in public relations has become a global phenomenon. However, there is a dearth of studies that have examined the effect of work experience on the self-perception of women engaged in PR practice, particularly in the Nigerian context. This work examined how work experience impacts the professional self-image of female PR practitioners in Plateau State, Nigeria, and their perception of the glass ceiling. The research was conducted within the framework of Liberal Feminist Theory using a qualitative phenomenological approach, and data were collected through in-depth interviews with six purposively selected female practitioners from the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Plateau State Chapter. Results from the study show that the female practitioners work in a demanding work environment that requires them to combine professional and domestic duties. Another key finding shows that despite being faced with a challenging and demanding work environment,\r\naccumulated work experience appears to be an effective tool that helps develop positive self-image, increases confidence, and professional worth of all participants of the study. Additionally, the work shows that perceptions of the glass ceiling are diverse, with some participants reported to have encountered obstacles caused by structural and cultural barriers while other participants find their working environment encouraging. The contribution of the study, therefore, lies in the expansion of the theory of Liberal Feminism by proving that work experience can help women develop a positive professional image despite structural barriers and breaking essentialist views on uniformity of gender discrimination. As a\r\nresult of the study’s outcome, the following recommendations have been made: introduction of flexible working hours to deal with work-life balance issues affecting women, implementation of mandatory gender sensitivity training, and development of mentorship programmes for women's advancement into leadership positions.

Feminisation Glass Ceiling Liberal Feminist Theory Public Relations Female Work Experience and Professional Self-Image

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• Journal: DELSU Journal of Communication and Media Studies
• ISSN: XXXX-XXXX
• Publisher: Delta State University Abraka
• Country: Nigeria
• Language: English
• Access: Open Access

Delsu Journal of Communication and Media Studies

Volume 1, Issue 1

2026

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