Accelerate Action

Every year for the past few years, I have recycled an old post on IWD. (Please scroll through my timeline to read if interested). I have, however, realised it did no good if we told people the problem without providing actionable solutions. This year’s theme echoed my sentiments about days like this. #AccelerateAction is an urgent call to move the discussions from the meeting rooms and conferences to the shop floor. We need to take swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality. Given the numerous symposiums held annually, the systemic barriers and biases women face should be relics of the past by now — much like diskettes, which are long outdated but here we are in 2025 🤷‍♀️.

In my opinion, here are some of the ways you can #Accelerateaction everyday at work:

1. Recognize that these barriers are real. Just because you haven’t experienced them doesn’t mean they don’t exist.
2. Make a conscious effort to listen to women with an open mind. Allow them to finish their thoughts without interruption, showing respect for their contributions.
3. Create an environment where women feel comfortable sharing their ideas. Actively invite them to speak in meetings and discussions.
4. Recognize and credit women for their ideas and work. This helps to validate their contributions and encourages further participation.
5. Ensure that women have equal access to projects, training, and career advancement opportunities. This helps to level the playing field.
6. Be aware of and challenge any biases that may arise in the workplace. This includes questioning stereotypes and assumptions about women’s capabilities. Keeping the peace in the face of obvious biases is enabling the barriers.
7. Offer flexible working arrangements. This helps women manage their professional and personal responsibilities more effectively.
8. Create safe spaces for women to share their experiences and support each other. This can help to build a sense of community and belonging.
9. Provide constructive feedback and encourage women to share their feedback as well. This helps to create a culture of continuous improvement and mutual respect.
10. Representation matters! There are competent women everywhere. Get them into leadership.

To every woman, heard or unheard, your future is right now. Happy International Women’s Day!