Empowering Women: A Journey of Upliftment, Unity, and Accelerated Action

On International Women’s Day, it’s important to reflect on the progress women have made while acknowledging the challenges that remain. As a woman in a leadership role, I am acutely aware of the struggles women face in various areas of life—at work, at home, and in society. But I believe that true empowerment starts with us. It begins with how we uplift and support one another and how we teach the next generation to break free from limiting beliefs and pursue their dreams without hesitation.

For centuries, girls have been told, “This is not for you,” or “You’re not capable.” These limiting beliefs stifle the potential of millions of girls worldwide. Instead of holding them back, we must encourage them to chase their dreams fearlessly and believe in their limitless potential. True empowerment begins when we stop suppressing and start believing in the capabilities of every girl.

The Power of Women Lifting Women
To create meaningful change, women must lift each other up. Women in leadership roles—whether at home, in the workplace, or in communities—must actively support other women and girls. If every woman in a leadership position starts mentoring and championing other women, we will have already won half the battle for gender equality.

While we often talk about the need for men to support women in their careers, the first battle women need to fight is with each other. The most powerful leaders and mentors are those who have walked the same path. When women celebrate each other’s achievements, offer advice, and provide guidance, they create a network of strength that transcends boundaries.

But support doesn’t always come naturally. Women may feel threatened by another’s success or see it as competition. We need to shift this perspective. Rather than viewing each other as rivals, we should celebrate one another. When we see another woman’s success as a victory for all, we break the cycle of insecurity and jealousy that holds us back.

Challenging and Changing Societal Norms
One of the biggest obstacles to gender equality lies in societal and cultural norms that limit women’s potential. From a young age, girls are conditioned to believe what’s “appropriate” for them. These norms shape their aspirations and perceptions of themselves. These beliefs are ingrained in schools, homes, media, and workplaces, affecting how girls see what they can achieve.

To accelerate change, we need to actively challenge and reshape these norms. We must teach children that both boys and girls can aspire to be scientists, entrepreneurs, leaders, or creatives. Empowering young girls to embrace their potential and chase their dreams without fear of judgment is crucial. Instead of saying “you can’t” because they are girls, we should encourage them to rise to their fullest potential.

Equal Opportunities and Fair Pay
Gender equality is impossible without equal access to opportunities and fair pay. Despite the significant contributions women make in the workforce, the gender pay gap remains widespread. Companies must commit to paying women fairly and create pathways for women to advance without gender bias.

Additionally, access to healthcare, education, and social services is essential for women to succeed. Ensuring women have the resources to thrive is key to building a more just society. From financial independence to safe working conditions, these factors are necessary for women’s success.

Empowering Women to Lead Change
If we are to accelerate progress, women must hold leadership positions across all sectors—business, politics, academia, and beyond. Women’s voices should be amplified in leadership roles, and their contributions must be valued. Empowering women to lead is not just about filling positions but creating environments where their talents and potential are fully realized.

However, to enable women to rise to leadership roles, systemic barriers must be dismantled. From biases in hiring to the lack of mentorship, we must create an ecosystem that nurtures women’s growth. Women must also be willing to mentor and support other women, as this collective solidarity is one of the strongest forces for change.

The Role of Men in Gender Equality
While women bear much of the responsibility for gender equality, men also play a critical role. Men are vital allies in this movement. Gender equality is not just a women’s issue—it’s a collective struggle for a better, fairer world. Men must actively support women’s rights, challenge discriminatory behavior, and be vocal advocates for change.

Men can help create spaces where women feel supported, empowered, and able to lead without fear of bias. Their involvement in promoting gender equality is essential to reshaping societal norms and breaking barriers for women.

Conclusion: Let’s Accelerate Action for Gender Equality
On this International Women’s Day, let’s commit to accelerating action for gender equality. The time for change is now, and we cannot wait for it to happen on its own. We must act boldly, collaboratively, and consistently. Every woman and girl deserves the opportunity to reach her full potential, and it starts with us—one woman, one girl, and one act of support at a time.

Empowerment comes when we break free from outdated norms and speak out for what’s right. Together, we can create a world where every woman is respected, supported, and encouraged to reach her fullest potential. Let’s accelerate the journey toward gender equality and leave a lasting impact on future generations.

Article by AARTI SHARMA (GUPTA) Director – Global Business Development, Utthunga Technology and motivational speaker.