Women leaders’ call to Accelerate Action to create equal opportunities at workplace

As the world marks International Women’s Day 2025, the theme ‘Accelerate Action’ serves as a powerful reminder that the journey toward gender equality requires more than just words – it demands immediate and decisive steps. Across industries, women continue to break barriers, drive change, and reshape workplaces to be more inclusive and empowering. However, challenges remain, and leaders are calling for urgent action to bridge gaps in leadership representation, pay equity, and access to opportunities.

Prominent women leaders such as Himani Singh, Associate Director - Global Sales at Globale Media; Liberatha Kallat, Chairperson & MD, DreamFolks; Edyta Kurek, Senior Vice President & Head of India and Indonesia, Oriflame; Shruti Aggarwal, Co-Founder of Stashfin; and Sonia Nair, National Head – Customer Service at Blue Dart, Medhavi Singh, Country Head, Criteo India, Neelima Burra, Chief Strategy Transformation & Marketing Officer at Luminous Power Technologies are all championing the need for tangible change. From advocating for mentorship programs and inclusive work cultures to pushing for digital empowerment and financial independence, these leaders are not just discussing change – they are driving it forward with purpose and urgency.

What Does ‘Accelerate Action’ Mean to Women Leaders?

For Himani Singh, Associate Director - Global Sales, Globale Media, the theme resonates deeply. “It’s a call to move beyond discussions and commitments to tangible actions that can lead to real change. While progress has been made, we still have a long way to go. In the adtech industry, change has been slow, and this theme reinforces the urgency of breaking barriers, creating equal opportunities, and making workplaces more inclusive. We can’t wait for change to happen; we need to drive it forward now.”

Medhavi Singh, Country Head, Criteo India belives, "The 'Accelerate Action' theme for International Women's Day is a powerful reminder that we need to move beyond discussion and start implementing real solutions towards establishing gender equality in the workplace. According to me a critical part of this is ensuring that women have a seat at the table, and it’s filled with the right support for women to grow and thrive. To achieve this, companies need to prioritize three key areas - creating a flexible working environment that supports work-life balance and reduce burnout, providing mentorship programs and leadership trainings. Moreover, addressing unconscious biases that limit women’s opportunities for advancement in another key area to focus. In the digital era, it’s crucial to provide upskilling opportunities that empower women to excel across each sector. By prioritizing these actionable steps, we can create workplaces where women are not just supported but truly empowered to lead—driving meaningful and lasting change.”

Liberatha Kallat, Chairperson & MD, DreamFolks, echoes the sentiment. “‘Accelerate Action’ is a powerful call to move beyond discussions and actively implement initiatives that create real change. For far too long, the conversation around gender equality has focused on awareness. Now, it’s time to drive meaningful impact – not just in leadership representation, but also in creating ecosystems that empower more women to step into decision-making roles with confidence.”

Edyta Kurek, Senior Vice President & Head of India and Indonesia, Oriflame, believes that empowerment comes from action. “‘Accelerate Action’ means taking decisive steps to create opportunities for women, whether by appointing female leaders, fostering an inclusive workplace, or removing barriers. It’s about ensuring that women are not just included but truly empowered in all spheres of life.”

Shruti Aggarwal, Co-Founder, Stashfin, sees the theme as a commitment. “At Stashfin, we believe actions speak louder than words. ‘Accelerate Action’ means breaking barriers and creating real opportunities for women. This Women’s Day, we reaffirm our mission to empower women with financial independence and leadership opportunities. Too many women in India still struggle to access financial tools. We are dedicated to changing that by ensuring every woman has the power to shape her own future.”

Sonia Nair, National Head - Customer Service, Blue Dart, emphasizes action over words. “‘Accelerate Action’ means empowering women through equality and inclusive progress. While we’ve made strides, we must keep pushing forward and not settle for what we’ve already achieved.”

Neelima Burra, Chief Strategy Transformation & Marketing Officer at Luminous Power Technologies "At Luminous Power Technologies, we believe in action over words. Our commitment to breaking barriers in the energy sector is reflected in initiatives like #WomenInEnergy, where we actively promote and support women in technical and leadership roles. Accelerating action means ensuring women don’t just participate but thrive in every sphere.” 

Addressing gender equality in the workplace requires a multi-faceted approach. These leaders highlight three critical areas that demand immediate focus.

“Women must be compensated fairly for their work,” stresses Himani Singh. “Companies should conduct regular salary audits and implement transparent pay structures. Additionally, more women in decision-making roles lead to diverse perspectives. Organizations need to invest in mentorship and leadership development programs.”

Edyta Kurek agrees, adding, “Diverse leadership fosters innovation and inclusivity. Increasing women’s representation in leadership is essential.”

Shruti Aggarwal highlights the need for flexible policies. “Supporting women means recognizing the diverse responsibilities they juggle. Strong parental leave policies and fair performance evaluations create an environment where women can thrive.”

Drawing attention to mental health, Sonia Nair points out, “Women often juggle work, family, and societal expectations, leading to stress and burnout. Organizations must prioritize mental well-being by offering support like counseling and wellness programs.”

“Women need to see clear paths to grow within an organization,” says Sonia Nair. “Transparency in promotions and career development fosters confidence and motivation.”

 Neelima Burra says "Ensuring women have equal access to career pathways, from entry-level to leadership, is crucial. Organizations must implement bias-free recruitment and promotion practices, prioritizing talent and potential above all else.”

Empowering Women in Leadership

How can organizations ensure that more women step into leadership roles? Himani Singh emphasizes on mentorship and targeted leadership training, saying, “Women need strong allies who can advocate for their growth. Customized leadership programs help them navigate challenges and step into influential roles with confidence.”

Liberatha Kallat stresses on the need for meritocracy. “Promotion and leadership appointments should be performance-driven, not gender-biased. Companies must create transparent policies to ensure equal access.”

Edyta Kurek believes in leading by example. “Providing women with digital tools, training, and networks enables them to build successful careers. Organizations must remove biases and foster an environment where ambition is supported, not limited.”

Sonia Nair adds that recognition is crucial. “Celebrating women’s achievements within the organization boosts morale and sets an example that leadership roles are attainable for all women.”

Neelima Burra adds "Leadership must be built on meritocracy, not gender. Women need mentorship, sponsorship, and opportunities to step into leadership roles with confidence. At Luminous, we foster an ecosystem where diverse perspectives drive success."

Women’s Empowerment in the Digital Age

Technology is a game-changer, but only if women have equal access to digital tools and resources. Himani Singh emphasizes the importance of bridging the tech access gap. “Ensuring women have equal access to technology helps them stay competitive and seize new opportunities.”

Liberatha Kallat adds, “Investing in digital upskilling is key. Women need to be equipped with skills in areas like coding, data analysis, and cybersecurity to participate fully in the digital economy.”

Edyta Kurek sees digital networks as a driving force. “Providing women with digital tools and platforms enables them to grow businesses, connect globally, and gain knowledge that enhances their careers.”

Shruti Aggarwal believes financial access must be a priority. “Fintech solutions tailored for women, cybersecurity awareness, and inclusive financial services empower women to thrive in the digital economy.”

Sonia Nair highlights digital safety and community-building. “Creating safer online spaces and fostering digital communities ensures that women can engage and grow professionally without fear of harassment.”

Neelima Burra believes  "Women must be equipped with digital and technology-driven skills to stay competitive. At Luminous Power Technologies, we are investing in AI, digital engineering, and solar training programs to ensure women are future-ready."

Also Read: Creative accomplice, not replacement: How AI is leveling the field for women leaders