International Women's Day 2025: #AccelerateAction

International Women’s Day: Accelerating Action for Equality

International Women’s Day (IWD), observed annually on March 8, serves as a global platform to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It is also a powerful call to action, urging individuals, organizations, and governments to accelerate progress toward gender equality. While significant strides have been made in recent decades, gender disparities persist in many areas, including workplace leadership, economic opportunity, education, healthcare, and political representation.

The 2025 campaign theme, Accelerate Action, emphasizes the need for proactive efforts to close these gaps. Research suggests that, at the current pace, achieving full gender parity could take until 2158—roughly five generations from now. This statistic underscores the urgency of taking meaningful, sustained action to advance women's rights. Progress cannot be left to chance; it requires a collective commitment from individuals and institutions alike to drive change.

Each of us plays a role in fostering a more inclusive world. By challenging stereotypes, advocating for equal opportunities, and celebrating women's successes, we contribute to a cultural shift that empowers women and girls globally. Likewise, organizations across industries must take deliberate steps to create equitable environments where women can thrive. From leadership development initiatives to structural reforms in policies and practices, businesses, educational institutions, and advocacy groups have the power to implement lasting change.

The Power of Individual Action

Gender equality is not just an issue for policymakers or corporations—it is something each of us can help advance in our daily lives. Even small actions can contribute to meaningful change, and when compounded, they create lasting societal impact. Individuals can:

Call Out Stereotypes: Gender biases are deeply ingrained in many aspects of society, from media portrayals to workplace expectations. By recognizing and challenging these stereotypes, we can help shift cultural norms that limit women’s potential. This can be as simple as questioning outdated gender roles in conversations or advocating for more diverse and realistic representations of women in entertainment and advertising.
Challenge Discrimination: Whether in workplaces, educational institutions, or social settings, discriminatory practices persist. Speaking out against inequities—such as pay gaps, hiring biases, or workplace harassment—can create a ripple effect that promotes fairer treatment. Support for women in male-dominated fields, particularly in STEM, finance, and politics, is especially crucial.
Celebrate Women’s Success: Recognizing and amplifying the achievements of women is essential in creating a culture that values and respects their contributions. Whether it's supporting women-owned businesses, sharing success stories, or nominating women for leadership roles, these actions help normalize female excellence across industries.
Share Knowledge and Encourage Others: Mentorship and advocacy play a crucial role in women’s advancement. Offering support, guidance, and encouragement to women and girls—whether through formal mentorship programs or informal networking—can help them navigate challenges and seize opportunities.

When individuals commit to these actions daily, they help build a society that values and upholds gender equality.

Organizational Strategies to Accelerate Women's Advancement

While individual efforts are vital, systemic change requires structured initiatives within organizations and institutions. Companies, government agencies, nonprofits, and community groups all have a role to play in breaking down barriers to women's progress. Some of the most effective organizational strategies include:

Economic Empowerment Programs: Providing women with access to financial literacy education, business grants, microloans, and investment opportunities helps close the economic gap. Supporting women entrepreneurs and ensuring fair wages in corporate structures are critical components of sustainable progress.
Talent Recruitment and Retention: Creating pathways for women to succeed includes implementing mentorship programs, leadership training, and sponsorship initiatives that help women break through career barriers.
Infrastructure and Workplace Policies that Support Women: Flexible work arrangements, parental leave policies, and affordable childcare options help create environments where women can balance career aspirations with personal responsibilities. Companies that implement these policies experience higher retention rates and greater overall productivity.
Education and Skills Training: Providing girls and women with access to education and vocational training is one of the most powerful ways to break the cycle of poverty. Organizations that invest in scholarships, digital literacy programs, and technical training help equip women with the tools they need to succeed.

By implementing these strategies, organizations can create sustainable, long-term change that benefits not only women but society as a whole.

Progress and Challenges in the Financial Industry

In recent years, the financial industry has made strides toward gender diversity, particularly in leadership roles. Women now hold approximately 18% of C-suite positions in financial services globally, marking an improvement from previous years. As the industry evolves, companies that commit to gender diversity will not only foster more equitable workplaces but also benefit from stronger financial performance and innovation. Studies have shown that businesses with diverse leadership teams outperform their less diverse counterparts, making gender equality not just a moral imperative but a business advantage.

The Path Forward

International Women’s Day serves as a reminder of both the progress made and the challenges that remain. Achieving gender equality requires more than symbolic gestures—it demands action. Whether through individual advocacy, corporate policies, or global initiatives, every effort counts.

By committing to meaningful change, supporting women’s advancement, and fostering inclusive environments, we can collectively accelerate the path to gender equality, creating a world where women and girls have the opportunities, resources, and recognition they deserve.

Who We Are

At Colmina, we are committed to fostering an inclusive financial industry where women have the resources, opportunities, and support they need to thrive. We recognize that while progress has been made, barriers still exist, and we are dedicated to breaking them down. Through mentorship, professional development, and advocacy, we strive to elevate women in finance—whether they are industry professionals or individuals seeking financial empowerment.

Beyond supporting careers, we are passionate about financial literacy for all, ensuring that women and underserved communities have access to the knowledge and tools necessary to achieve financial freedom. By providing education, guidance, and actionable strategies, Colmina is not just a financial firm—we are a partner in creating a future where financial confidence and independence are attainable for everyone.