More women are building careers and businesses in the print sector but there is still much that the industry can be doing, according to a new report from Girls Who Print.
The industry network, which champions women in print around the world including the UK, has highlighted progress and opportunities in a new 2026 Industry Insights Report.
It found that mentorship has become a strategic tool for retaining talent, technology fluency is becoming a leadership differentiator, and clear career pathways are essential to attracting new talent.
The report revealed that more women are building businesses and pursuing entrepreneurship and reshaping what that looks like, adding: “Women-owned and women-led print businesses bring new ideas, broader leadership perspectives and innovative approaches to serving customers and growing the industry.”
It identifies 10 industry insights centred on mentorship, technology, leadership, entrepreneurship, workforce development, career advancement and the emerging opportunities women see across print and graphic communications.
Deborah Corn, executive director of Girls Who Print, said: “The findings point to an industry where women are embracing technology, pursuing leadership opportunities, building businesses, expanding professional networks and investing in their own career growth.
“At the same time, women are looking for employers who intentionally invest in mentorship, create visibility opportunities, provide clear career pathways and actively support professional growth.
“These findings represent opportunities for employers, educators, associations and industry leaders to strengthen recruitment, retention, leadership development and long-term business success by investing in people as intentionally as they invest in technology.”
The report drew on 210 responses to the 2025-2026 Girls Who Print Survey and recurring themes identified across the 242 applications to the Girls Who Print mentorship programme.
Deborah added: “Women across the industry shared their experiences, perspectives and priorities. The insights revealed in this report will help shape Girls Who Print programmes, resources and initiatives that address the needs identified across our global network while also providing valuable perspective for the industry.”
Click here to request a PDF of the report.
