Every year, International Women’s Day floods our social media feeds with hashtags, corporate campaigns, and inspirational messages. These conversations need to take place in public so that people can become aware, yet the real hurdle is in transforming them into tangible actions that create real change. The essence of Women’s Day should go beyond a one-day celebration. True impact requires sustained efforts in fostering inclusivity, bridging gender gaps, and supporting women in every sphere of life.
Turning Women’s Day Conversations Into Action
Shruti Swaroop – Founder, Embrace Consulting | Co-Founder, International Inclusion Alliance emphasises, “Every International Women’s Day brings conversation about empowerment, inclusivity, and equality. The question remains, however: how can we ensure that the conversation leads to sustained action beyond one day of awareness? The true revolution, in my opinion, occurs when companies integrate inclusion into their daily operations rather than attempting to make it a big one-time event. Business leaders must move away from all this pomp and circumstance and commit to actual action, including mentorship programs, leadership development for women, and introducing equitable legislation that erases structural barriers. Measurement of impact is a primary foundation. Is diversity encouraged through hiring practice? Are leadership development pipelines inclusive? Are workplace environments truly safe and supportive? Organizations that track progress and hold themselves accountable create change.
Furthermore, allyship doesn’t wait for seasons. All of us peers, senior leaders, and men allies have to construct inclusive cultures every day. Conversations that begin on Women’s Day have to become official programs – pay equity analyses, flexible work arrangements, and women’s leadership development. Hashtags are not change; action, accountability, and habit are. Let us push inclusiveness daily and not episodically.”
Women’s empowerment is incomplete without addressing health and nutrition. Dr Ridhima Khamesra, Clinical dietician, highlights “International Women’s Day is more than just a hashtag or a fleeting moment of recognition. It’s a call to action—a reminder that equality isn’t a trend but a necessity. While social media floods with #WomenEmpowerment and #BreakTheBias posts, the real challenge lies in moving beyond performative gestures.
Did you know that despite women making up nearly half the global workforce, they still earn only 77 cents for every dollar earned by men? Or that women hold less than 25% of parliamentary seats worldwide? These aren’t just statistics; they’re a reflection of systemic gaps that need urgent attention. So, how do we turn conversations into action? Start small but think big. Mentor a young woman in your field, advocate for equal pay in your workplace, or support women-led businesses. Educate yourself on issues like unpaid care work, which disproportionately affects women globally.
Studies show that companies with gender-diverse leadership are 21% more likely to outperform their peers. Equality isn’t just fair—it’s profitable. This Women’s Day, let’s move beyond the hashtag. Commit to one actionable step that creates real change. Because equality isn’t a one-day event—it’s a lifelong mission.”
Despite progress, gender biases persist in workplaces, often hindering women’s professional growth. Sonica Aron – Founder & CEO, Marching Sheep (Global HR consulting, DEI expert), stated, “The theme for IWD this year is accelerate action. And I think, at a sublime level, the theme is calling out that we need to pause and reflect on what we need to do this year. Are we really doing the right things? There are innumerable WhatsApp groups where service providers are offering ‘IWD’ services. These include standup comedy, Massage therapy, Nail art, Women’s Day gift hampers, Doodle Art workshop etc. These may be fun for the day, but how do they accelerate action towards bridging the gender gap in representation and pay. And more importantly, what is the impact these activities have on the participants’ careers? And do we think that women employees do not see through these gimmicks?
This year, let’s look at accelerating action from a different lens. Let’s not look at one grand event that gets us likes on one social media post, but let’s think of that one thing that we can sustain through the year and will help us attract, retain and nurture women talent in our organisation. Think about it one social media post without substance vs 12 social media posts with substance and tangible impact- what has more credibility? Resources are limited. Do not allocate them towards activities that do not drive the desired outcomes. Replace a Mega event in march with a developmental Journey that helps women employees overcome career challenges. That will truly accelerate action. That will be a post with or without hashtags which will propel the organisation into the league of employers of choice.
This Women’s Day, let’s commit to doing more than just good to do. Let’s challenge ourselves to take one tangible step—whether it’s calling out inequality, supporting women-led initiatives, or educating ourselves on the barriers women face. Let us not look for ‘Engagement’ activities but ‘Impactgul” interventions.
Change starts with us. It’s time to turn conversations and intent into action, not just today, but every day. Because when we act, we don’t just celebrate women—we empower them to shape a better, more inclusive world.”
Sheffali Chaurasia, BJP Delhi state executive Member and Ex district journal secretary of Northwest district, Delhi says “Empowerment speaks not just in terms of celebrating achievements but equal opportunity for every woman across cultures. Fully-fledged progress will come only when we help one another, assist women-led initiatives, and create a society in which safety, respect, and opportunities are available for all. Let’s not stop at change as a conversation, but let it become a movement that will foster real transformation in every sphere of life.”