With International Women’s Week in March, Image Reports wanted to explore the contributions of women within the typically male-dominated world of print.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, more and more women are leaving their mark on the industry.

Groups such as Girls Who Print have also seen major growth as it has recently gained the status of a global non-profit organisation.

Executive director, Deborah Corn, has explained the key to this progression as well as her thoughts on the growing recognition of women in the industry.

Q. Can you tell us what Girls Who Print is and its primary goals?

Girls Who Print is the largest global professional network for women in the print and graphic communications industry, boasting a community of more than 11,000 members worldwide. Our mission is to build a supportive, inclusive network that celebrates women’s contributions, attracts fresh talent, and helps foster career growth in the printing sector.

We achieve this through educational initiatives, networking opportunities, mentorship programs, and events that provide visibility and development for women in print. Girls Who Print ensures women have a powerful voice and a promising future in this dynamic industry.

Q. Girls Who Print recently transitioned into a global non-profit organisation and launched a new member platform. Can you share more about these milestones?

Since its founding in 2009 as a LinkedIn group, Girls Who Print has grown into a grassroots movement that supports women in a traditionally male-dominated field. This transition to nonprofit status is a critical step, solidifying our commitment to inclusivity, education, innovation, and empowerment in the print industry.

The new membership platform offers exclusive resources for professional development, networking, and visibility while creating a space for women to connect globally. This initiative bridges industry sectors, providing a unique foundation for women to thrive.

 Q. More women are being recognised for their work in the printing industry. What can be done to sustain and build upon this progress?

Despite progress, women remain underrepresented in leadership roles within the industry. To address this, we need to prioritise empowerment, mentorship, and visibility for women in print. These efforts not only promote gender equity but also drive innovation and success across businesses and the industry at large.

Girls Who Print plays a pivotal role by offering career development programs, mentorship, and educational initiatives that empower women to succeed in a traditionally male-dominated field. Through collective action, we can ensure this positive trajectory continues.

Q. What’s next for Girls Who Print?

Our immediate focus is on expanding membership and sponsorship, planning key events, and preparing for milestones like Print HERstory Month in March and our online International Women’s Day Conference. We’re also increasing activity on the new member platform to create more opportunities for engagement and professional growth.

With the industry’s support – both financially and through active participation – we will implement workforce development initiatives and student outreach programs to secure a vibrant future for the printing industry.

Q. Where do you see the print industry in the next five to 10 years?

In the metaverse! Although it might seem like a far-off concept, the metaverse represents a growing frontier where digital and physical goods intersect. Everything created or purchased in the digital world will require the printing industry’s expertise to produce and deliver physical versions.

Printers need to prepare now by learning about the companies shaping the metaverse, identifying ways to collaborate, and offering relevant products and services. Those who take proactive steps today will be ready when these opportunities arrive – and it’s coming, don’t doubt it. There is too much money involved and an exponential amount to be made. Think about all the companies you would have invested in if you could go back to when this thing called the World Wide Web launched. The Metaverse is that and more.

Q. What role do women have in this vision?

I hope women will be at the forefront! Women’s natural abilities to assess long-term value, strategise, and multitask make them ideally suited for leadership in emerging opportunities like the metaverse. Those who seize this chance early on, bring value to their businesses, and lead with intention will pave the way for others to follow.

Q. How can others support Girls Who Print?

There are many ways to get involved. Membership is open to everyone, including our male allies. Sponsorships, charitable donations, and active participation all help us advance our global mission to empower women in the print industry and attract new talent.

By supporting Girls Who Print, you’re investing in the future of print and ensuring that this industry continues to grow and evolve with inclusivity and innovation at its core.