International Women’s Day is about recognising the role we all play in creating more inclusive, forward-thinking businesses and industries.

I have been surrounded by powerful women who have shaped me and my career throughout my life. From an early age, I saw women leading, making decisions, and driving change - and that left a lasting impact on me.

I always knew I would be in boardrooms, leading businesses, and making an impact. But what truly fuelled that drive was seeing powerful women at the top.

When I entered the fashion industry, I was surrounded by female leaders shaping global brands, making bold decisions, and proving that success wasn’t reserved for a select few.

Their presence showed me what was possible, and that visibility changed everything. Because when you see it, you believe it. And when you believe it, you step up and become it.

That’s why representation matters.

But here’s the reality: not every industry looks like this.

Women are still underrepresented in boardrooms, in investment, and in key decision-making spaces. We can’t afford to wait for change, we have to accelerate it.

Accelerate Action: What You Can Do Today

When leadership is diverse, companies make better decisions, cultures become stronger, and industries evolve faster. That’s why representation isn’t just a ‘women’s issue’ - it’s a business and leadership issue for all of us.

Here are some ways you can accelerate progress for women in leadership and business:

• Be the role model you once needed As women in leadership, share your journey, and show others what’s possible. We need more women standing up, speaking out, and being visible. Speak at events or simply share your experiences with others.
• Mentor and sponsor the next generation Helping others get there is where real change begins. Offer mentorship, guidance, or connections to women who are emerging in their careers and business.
• Create and open doors for others If we want to see more women in positions of power, we need to create those opportunities ourselves. Through hiring, partnerships, collaborations - actively seek to bring women into influential spaces.
• Invest in women-led companies and initiatives Supporting female entrepreneurs, whether through purchasing products, investing in startups, or collaborating on projects, creates a ripple effect that helps women thrive in business.
• Speak up and use your influence Use their voices to advocate for change. Whether you’re in a boardroom, on a panel, or even in casual conversations, speak up for women’s perspectives and challenge the status quo.

It’s easy to talk about change, but real progress comes from action. What’s one move you can make today that will create a lasting impact?

A Thank You to the Women Who Inspired Me

I’m so grateful to the women who mentored me and showed me what’s possible. Now it’s my turn to pass that on and help others create their opportunities. The leadership, resilience, and vision of those women shaped my career and the way I now create space for others.

I will keep paying that forward - because we need more women leading, shaping, and making a lasting impact on the world.

Who inspired you to see what was possible? And how are you passing that forward?

Comment below or tag the women who have inspired you - let’s celebrate them together.

#IWD #internationalwomensday #IWD2025 #AccelerateAction