Blogs - March 7, 2025

International Women’s Day 2025

International Women’s Day 2025 is on 8 March, and this year’s theme – Accelerate Action – couldn’t be more relevant. Around the world, progress on gender equality is under threat, making it more important than ever to stand up, speak out, and push for change. 

IWD isn’t just a celebration – it’s a call to action. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come, but also of the barriers that still hold women back in workplaces, industries, and communities.

Below, we hear from some incredible women who are driving change, challenging norms, and sharing their wisdom on what true empowerment looks like. Their stories, insights, and experiences inspire us to keep pushing forward – together.

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“Empowerment, to me, starts with confidence—the belief that I can achieve what I set out to do. That confidence comes from having the right support, opportunities, and resources. Early in my career, when work was my number one priority, I never felt the need for support. But when life takes over it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. My biggest lesson? Never hesitate to ask for help – and don’t let it diminish your self-worth. It takes strength to ask for support.”

Essa Mahapatra, IC Validation Manager

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“Real empowerment means rewriting the rules, not just playing by them. Everyone brings unique skills that add value, and they deserve the chance to grow in a supportive environment. Women often develop incredible abilities balancing home, kids, and work – skills that make them more productive, compassionate employees. Time spent out of the workforce isn’t lost; it’s time spent building invaluable experience.”

June Johnson, Legal Counsel

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“Pay attention, recognise your privilege, and speak up against inequality. Look around your next meeting: are women given the space to contribute, or are they interrupted? Are leadership roles fairly distributed? Are hiring panels diverse? Do team activities fit with caregivers’ schedules? Women in the workplace are not usually excluded on purpose, but because we rarely question “the way things are.” There’s no quick fix, but by noticing, challenging, and supporting each other, we can drive real change.”

Evi Athanasopoulou, Project Manager

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“With women’s rights under threat in many parts of the world, this year’s International Women’s Day theme – Accelerate Action – has never been more urgent. Progress toward gender equality is not guaranteed. It requires commitment and advocacy from everyone to effect tangible change. By standing together, challenging bias, and pushing for policies that empower women, we can create a more just and inclusive future for everyone.”

Hellen Norman, Corporate Content Lead

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“It took me a long time to realise that making mistakes doesn’t make you a failure. What matters is how you respond to them. Treat challenges as learning opportunities, and empower the women around you to do the same.”

Lisa Dunn, Senior Manager, Back End Operations