#IWD2025 #WomenLeadingChange #AccelerateAction
Every year on March 8th, International Women’s Day (IWD) unites women around the world – to celebrate progress, raise awareness & inspire action toward gender equality. Today, from boardrooms to classrooms, marketplaces to social movements – women are leading the charge for change. But beyond policies and movements, what does this day mean to the women who live these experiences every day?
From Celebration to Action: How women are marking IWD 2025
IWD 2025 campaign theme is ‘Accelerate Action‘. News brings us face-to-face with women from diverse backgrounds as they share their thoughts, hopes & dreams for a more inclusive future. Some see IWD as a day to reflect on struggles and victories, while others use it as a platform to call for urgent action. Whether it’s celebrating their achievements, highlighting gender disparities or championing women’s leadership, their voices keep shaping the ongoing fight for equality.
Empowered Voices: Women reflect on progress & challenges
Here we capture reactions from some women as they celebrate International Women’s Day 2025. Through their voices, we hear about the milestones they’ve reached, and the change they envision for the future. Because when women rise, communities thrive, and the world moves forward…
So, together, let’s “Accelerate Action” to speed up the rate of progress worldwide.
> Ruby Sinha, Founder, Sheatwork
“We continue to live in a world with growing uncertainties and women must be prepared for challenges, many of them not of their making. Without women’s empowerment in all spheres, there cannot be a sustainable future for Mankind. Women need partnerships, active networks and financial literacy to succeed in a competitive marketplace. We need transformative solutions to meet the needs of women entrepreneurs; we need to amplify the voices of women in all relevant forums across the world so that their needs and challenges are not an after thought at international meetings.
We are already on the road to progress with gender-responsive budgeting and gender- based financial inclusion, but these need to be scaled up to serve the needs of half the population.”
> Joyshree Das Verma, National President, FICCI FLO
“Accelerating action for gender parity isn’t just the goal, but a necessity. Instead of waiting for change, we must step up and be the change. Women have talent, resilience, and vision to drive national growth, yet they continue to struggle with access to finance, skill development, and leadership roles. Having experienced the power of financial independence, I believe empowering women is not just fair, but essential for economic progress. At FICCI FLO, we are committed to driving this change through impactful skilling initiatives across levels, like the recent 100 Girls Empowerment Program and the Women Directors Program. Strengthening these efforts, recent MoUs with ICA Eduskills, Yes Bank, and Support a Skill Care Foundation
further support women’s skill development. With projects like India’s first 100% women- owned industrial park in Hyderabad, we are setting new benchmarks. Progress happens when we take action, and the time to act is now.”
> Natalie Pote, NASM Personal Trainer & Nutrition Coach
“Being a stiletto in a world of crocs. In other words, ignoring stereotypes by daring to be different & encouraging other women to also embrace their uniqueness and forge ahead.
I have developed a mind-body workshop that embraces this. It’s called Be-YOUtiful by natalie: BE-ing present, being YOU – unique, and, therefore knowing that you are Be- YOUtiful, just the way you are.”
> Sangeeta Murthi Sahgal, Co-Founder, Diversity Dialogs
“As an organization we are focusing on enabling women to take on leadership roles to transform their career trajectory by taking risks, speaking up and intentionally building strong personal brands.”
> Smita Tharoor, Founding CEO, Tharoor Associates Ltd
“To help our business forge ahead, we have refreshed our website to ensure it accurately reflects the value we bring to our clients. Our brand identity is about Unlocking Human Potential using behavioural neuroscience. Our USP is – Conscious Inclusion.”
> Usha Jha, Founder, Petal Craft
“I pledge to help women from disadvantaged groups gain access to economic opportunities and enhance their capabilities on digital platforms.”
> Neena Wagh, Founder & Managing Director at ALAP Trust
“Women are the nerve centres of their family and tend to take more than what is expected from them!
I think this year I would practice and urge every woman to conserve her energy so that she can nurture herself, as the more she blooms and spreads her fragrance, the people around her get inspired – to become a better version of themselves.”
> Parbati Bhattacharya, Founder of Wanderers’ Footprints
“Be different and provide bespoke experiences.”
> Pooja Sheth, Founder, Workshops with Pooja Sheth
“This year, I’m focusing on using online platforms to reach more people globally and make ancient healing practices – like breathwork, mindfulness, Ayurveda, and energy healing – more practical and accessible. These sciences, rooted in our scriptures and now backed by modern research, have the power to create real change, but only if they’re easy to apply in daily life.
That’s why I want my workshops to be more hands-on, ensuring people can actually practice, track, and measure their progress. Learning shouldn’t just be theoretical – it should be something you can experience and integrate at your own pace.
On this Women’s Day, I want to remind all women entrepreneurs to keep going. Whether you’re building a business, a community, or a movement, your work matters. Stay true to your vision, break barriers, and lift others as you rise. The world needs more women leading with strength and purpose!”
> Shikha Moudgill, CEO, CoreComm
“My focus this year is going to be on marketing. For small businesses, maintaining top- of-mind recall and mindshare is critical – for creating business opportunities for the brand.
It is important that I spend disproportionate time in building visibility for the brand, be it through seminars, speaking opportunities, owned handles or industry events this year.”
Avtar Madan
Himanshu
Shree Lahiri
Poonam Sinha
