International Women’s Day 2025 #AccelerateAction

As a business in the IT industry, we’re acutely aware of the role we play in contributing to creating a sector that is progressive in its approach to equality.  

This International Women’s Day we’ve encouraged open conversation about what can be done to #AccelerateAction. Opening discussion on how we can each have a positive impact and how we can challenge our leadership team to continue to push for change.  

Here’s what our team have to say. 

What steps do you think businesses should take to promote gender equality in the workplace? 

Anca: To achieve gender equality in the workplace, businesses must take decisive action. First, they must review their hiring practices to ensure that all job descriptions are gender neutral. Regular pay audits are non-negotiable to guarantee equal compensation for all employees. Additionally, it is essential to implement mentorship programs and develop diverse leadership pipelines that actively promote women into leadership roles and create clear pathways for advancement. 

Businesses should also provide generous parental leave policies for both mothers and fathers, as these are critical for fostering an inclusive environment. Finally, transparent communication and constructive feedback are vital for cultivating a culture of accountability and support. 

Leanne: There should also be regular refresher training on what fairness and equality is, and how to spot signs of harassment and other behaviours that should be stopped and reported. 

How do you think we can encourage more women to pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated industries? 

Alanna: Early exposure and education showcasing the diverse opportunities available is where it should start. This can be achieved through school programs, workshops, and mentorship initiatives that highlight successful female role models in these industries. By sharing stories of successful women and their contributions, we can build a culture that values and encourages female participation in all fields. 

This is only half the story, male-dominated industries also need to assess their existing policies for inclusiveness. Are their policies on things like flexible working hours, parental leave and personal development plans making them attractive to women who often take on the brunt of unpaid care work? If the answer is no, they need to reassess. 

Kieran: Positive encouragement and stamping out the stigmas within the workplace. 

What challenges have you faced as a woman in your field, and how have you overcome them? Has this included any feelings of imposter syndrome? 

Lisa: Confidence – this has been a challenge for me as I have lacked confidence over the years. However, remember, confidence is a journey, and it’s okay to have moments of doubt. The key is to keep pushing forward and believing in yourself. You’ve already accomplished so much, and there’s so much more you can achieve! 

Anca: I’m with Lisa. A lot of the challenges I faced early on were ones I created myself - self-doubt, thinking I wasn’t smart enough, and hesitating to take up space. The thing is, when you don’t put yourself out there, you end up sidelining yourself from the game, the room, and everything happening around you. It’s super limiting, and I fell into that trap for way too long. This realisation was a turning point for me; I knew I had to build my "worthiness" muscles to reclaim my place. 

Gina: Work-life balance has been a challenge for me – balancing career aspirations with personal responsibilities after becoming a parent. I’ve found that setting boundaries and prioritising self-care have really helped me manage this balance. 

Lisa: Imposter syndrome has also had a big impact on confidence. It has made me question my abilities and feel inadequate in understanding some technical information in my role. This can lead me to avoiding new challenges due to the fear of failing. I struggle daily with this, as brain fog often prevents me from remembering information or finding the right words to express what I’m trying to say. The information is there just sometimes the words don’t follow! 

Leanne: I’ve had similar experiences to Lisa when it comes to imposter syndrome. Nowadays, I try to avoid comparing myself so much to others and focus more on my personal growth. 

Gina: To add to Lisa and Leanne, recognising the challenging thoughts and celebrating achievements has lessened by feelings of imposter syndrome. 

Can you share a story about a woman who has inspired you in your personal or professional life?  

Carolyn: My mother is a true inspiration to me – She worked her whole life and was still a very present member of our family – she taught me to not submit to the expectations that society has for women but in a way that is based on strength in kindness, not in putting down others. 

How do you define success, and has your definition evolved over time? 

Anca: My definition of success has transformed as I have grown older. In my younger years, I measured success by career advancement and financial stability, driven by societal expectations that pushed us to chase goals offering immediate validation and security. 

With age came a shift in perspective. Through life experiences, personal growth, and changing priorities, I've come to value different aspects of life.  

Now, I define success by personal fulfillment, meaningful relationships, health, and overall well-being. Friends who once sought to climb the corporate ladder now find greater joy in achieving a work-life balance and pursuing their passions. 

This evolution is a natural reflection of a deeper understanding of what truly brings happiness and contentment as we journey through life. 

Lisa: Similarly to Anca, I’ve felt that success is something that evolves over time, as we continuously have new goals to achieve, as our personal lives evolve and grow with us. 

My advice would be to set realistic goals. This could be a new role at work, buying a car, buying a house, getting married, holiday or even just a treat at the weekend. Break down your larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks. Achieving these smaller goals can boost your confidence and help you be successful in achieving the larger goals. 

A question to our male colleagues. How do you actively support gender equality in your workplace or community? 

Kieran: People are people, your professional relationships and professional opportunities shouldn't be dictated by a person's gender. 

Sam: I agree with Kieran. I actively support gender equality by simply treating all people I meet with the same level of respect. 

Andrew: I actively support gender equality by promoting an inclusive culture where everyone's voice is heard and valued. 

There have been times over my career, when I’ve been on calls with women who have been talked over by their male counterparts. To combat this, I always ensure I ask all members on the call directly for inputs to ensure everyone is heard. This results in uncovering great ideas that may have been missed or overlooked. 

What role do male allies play in supporting gender equality, and how can they be more effective? 

Kieran: Calling out discrimination whenever its seen or heard. Unfortunately, despite what people might say or think, it's still ingrained in society today. It's imperative for change to be encouraged if you want to see it. 

Andy: I am always in conversations with the women in my life to better understand their experiences and challenges. Staying informed by reading articles and literature on the issues women face is key.   

Alanna: I’m with Andy here. It’s so important that sons, brothers, fathers, partners seek out the perspectives of the women in their lives and communities to better understand the challenges they face.  

For anyone that needs to see the data to believe it, read Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez. 

Lisa: Ensuring woman are treated fairly and respectfully. To encourage other male allies to provide support and mentorship to females in the workplace. 

Leanne: Start young - fathers should lead by example by treating their partners, mothers and daughters with respect, showing and teaching their sons how to do so too. Then calling out their sons or even themselves on occasions when they have maybe not acted appropriately and rectify it. Schools should also teach more about kindness, fairness and gender equality. 

What advice would you give to young women who are just starting their careers? 

Gina: Self-belief is a rare commodity in young women in society that at times can feel harsh and judgemental, but it’s a powerful tool that you can use to seize opportunities. Nurture it! Seek mentorship early on to help you build knowledge and skills based in real-world experience. Stay resilient and take the approach that setbacks are part of the learning experience – they're all part of the journey.  

Anca: First and foremost, it’s essential to make yourself visible. This doesn’t mean being loud or overwhelming; instead, it involves being conscious of your presence as you enter a room and how you engage in conversation. Building self-esteem and confidence is crucial, and you achieve this through experience. Recognise your achievements—whether it’s successfully leading a project or completing a research assignment—and ensure you receive the credit you deserve.

Don't shy away from drawing attention to your contributions. If necessary, connect with individuals who can acknowledge your work. Sometimes, leveraging the credibility of others can be a strategic move in advancing your career. Take charge of your visibility and make sure those around you are aware of your accomplishments. 

Carolyn: There is always someone who thinks you are a silly little girl, who doesn’t know what she is talking about. Your job is to prove them wrong, don’t let their lack of expectations define you, together we can change things.    

Lisa: Love yourself – you must love yourself before loving others and prioritise your well-being by taking care of your physical and mental health. A healthy lifestyle can positively impact you and help with achieving your goals both. 

Leanne: Don’t be afraid to fail. Try new things. And try and seek out a mentor or two. When I hosted the Women in Tech roundtable last year, one attendee suggested both a female and male mentor, which is a really great idea as you get different perspectives and learnings from each gender. 

Further reading 

Last year we published a Women in Tech report based on a roundtable we hosted with women in roles from all areas of our industry. This report highlights key challenges faced by women, ways that employers can improve, and signposts to research-backed resources. 

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