Engender
Strategic Communications & Public Relations
Marriott Communications was appointed to strengthen Engender’s communications infrastructure - developing clear, impactful key messaging, building a cohesive public relations strategy, and equipping the organisation with the tools and confidence to amplify its voice across media and policy landscapes.
Background
Engender is Scotland’s leading feminist organisation, working to advance gender equality and challenge systemic inequalities affecting women’s lives.
With a strong reputation for research, advocacy, and policy influence, Engender produces high-value reports and insights that contribute meaningfully to national conversations. However, like many purpose-driven organisations, the challenge was not in the quality of the work - but in ensuring it reached the right audiences, in the right way, with clarity and consistency.
The Brief
Engender required strategic communications support to enhance how its work was articulated, shared, and amplified.
The brief centred on five key areas:
Crafting a set of clear, consistent key messages
Developing a process for disseminating reports effectively
Providing media training to build internal confidence and capability
Creating a cohesive public relations strategy
Building a targeted PR database to support ongoing media engagement
Ultimately, the goal was to ensure Engender’s voice was not only heard - but understood, retained, and acted upon.
The Actions
Marriott Communications delivered a comprehensive communications framework designed to bring clarity, consistency, and strategic direction to Engender’s external communications.
Key Messaging Development
We crafted a suite of concise, compelling, and adaptable key messages - designed to clearly articulate Engender’s purpose, priorities, and policy positions across multiple audiences.
Report Dissemination Process
We developed a structured approach to report launches - outlining how, when, and where content should be shared to maximise reach and engagement across media, stakeholders, and digital platforms.
Media Training
We delivered tailored media training sessions, equipping Engender’s team with the skills and confidence to engage with journalists, handle interviews, and communicate complex issues with clarity and authority.
Public Relations Strategy
We designed a cohesive PR strategy that aligned messaging, media activity, and organisational goals - ensuring a proactive, rather than reactive, approach to communications.
PR Database Development
We built a targeted and relevant media database, enabling Engender to connect with key journalists, outlets, and influencers across policy, third sector, and national media.
The Impact
Engender emerged with a stronger, more confident communications function - underpinned by clarity, consistency, and strategic intent.
The organisation is now better equipped to:
Communicate complex policy issues in a clear and compelling way
Maximise the visibility and impact of its research and reports
Engage proactively with media and key stakeholders
Maintain consistency across all communications outputs
By embedding strong messaging and robust processes, Engender is now positioned to amplify its voice more effectively - ensuring its work continues to influence conversations, shape policy, and drive progress on gender equality.
The Conclusion
This partnership demonstrates the power of strategic communications in unlocking the full value of an organisation’s work.
By combining messaging clarity, media readiness, and structured PR activity, Marriott Communications helped Engender move from impactful work to amplified impact - ensuring their voice carries further, resonates deeper, and drives meaningful change.