This year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) theme, ‘Accelerate Action’, calls for a faster, more decisive push toward gender equality. It’s about breaking down barriers, increasing momentum, and ensuring that women everywhere have the opportunities and support they deserve.
At ISOQAR, we are proud to celebrate and amplify the voices of the incredible women in our team. In honor of IWD 2025, we asked some of our colleagues:
“What advice would you give to your younger self at the start of your career?”
Here’s what they had to say:
Find your voice and advocate for yourself
“Be patient and kind to yourself. Advocate for yourself and have confidence in your ability. Speak up—whether that’s asking questions or sharing ideas in meetings. You don’t need to be the loudest person in the room to have good ideas and to be heard.” – Georgia Rees
“Find your voice and never shy away from your achievements. You are brilliant—make sure people know it. At the same time, choose the path that feels right for you and push yourself to meet your goals.” – Nina Halsall
Believe in yourself and own your strengths
“Believe in yourself and everything you bring to your role. Play to your strengths, have a voice, be seen, be heard. Make sure your contributions are valued, and that you feel empowered in everything you do.” – Azma Broughton
“Embrace your own qualities—this is what makes you shine and succeed. Use setbacks as motivation to work harder, be enthusiastic about what you do, and empower others.” – Natasha West
Never stop learning and say yes to opportunities
“Learn as much as you possibly can. Say yes, put your hand up. Training and new experiences open doors—sometimes doors you never expected. Exposure to different industries and areas of expertise can shape your career in ways you never imagined.” – Steph Hardman
Choose your own path—no one else’s
“When choosing a career path, only listen to yourself. Some people might say certain industries aren’t for women—but at the end of the day, it’s your life and your career. Never let anyone change the passion you have for what you do.” – Dariia Hrytsecych
Why ‘Accelerate Action’ Matters
While progress has been made, significant barriers to gender equality still exist. In business, leadership, STEM, and many other fields, women continue to face systemic challenges. But by supporting and empowering each other, we can speed up the pace of change.
How can you help?
- Celebrate women’s achievements and amplify their voices.
- Challenge stereotypes and advocate for diversity.
- Mentor and support the next generation of female professionals.
- Encourage policies that foster inclusivity and equal opportunities.
- Educate and challenge biases
- Foster inclusive and empowering workplaces
- Collaborate for greater impact
Together, let’s #AccelerateAction
*Source: World Economic Forum data