What would the world look like if women didn’t have to work twice as hard as men just to be taken seriously?

At the current pace, it could take over 130 years to close the gender gap—but we don’t have that time to wait so this year’s International Women’s Day 2025 theme“Accelerate Action”, is a call to move beyond conversations and step into action.

Here’s how you can take charge, accelerate action for yourself and other women.

1. Be Your Own Biggest Advocate

Too often, women hesitate to ask for what they want and here is where we need action. Start speaking up. In clear terms, set expectations and ask for want you want.

• Don’t wait for opportunities – create them. Take the lead, pitch that idea, apply for that job and create the opportunities you need.
• If you’re looking for a promotion, a raise, or more responsibilities, speak up and ask for it.
• Know your worth and demand it.

2. Build the Right Network

Success is not a solo journey. No one has achieved any remarkable amount of success by doing it alone, you need a network of link minded individuals. Build a strong network of support – mentors, sponsors and mentees.

Women with strong professional networks are more likely to get promoted and stay in leadership roles. Yet, too many women hesitate to ask for support, be intentional and genuine in building relationships.

• Find a mentor: someone who has been where you’re trying to go.
• Seek sponsors: leaders who will advocate for you when you’re not in the room.
• Connect with other professionals: a community of like-minded individuals like The Millennial Career Woman can push you forward faster than you ever imagined.

3. Stop Playing Small

A study by Hewlett-Packard found that men are more likely to apply for a job if they meet 60% of the qualifications, whereas women tend to apply if they meet 100% of the criteria. So many women self-reject before they even try.  Here are some things you can do to stop playing small;

• Take the risk – you don’t have to be “ready”—you just have to be willing.
• Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone – growth happens when you step up.
• Claim your seat at the table. And if there’s no seat? Build your own table.

4. Elevate Other Women

One of my life mottos is “Employ women, pay women and promote women”. Opportunities are not shared equally between men and women so as a woman looking to elevate your career, always look for opportunities to elevate other women. The better we support one another, the faster we break barriers.

Research shows that companies that actively encourage women to support each other see higher retention rates. Here are some ways to elevate women:

• Celebrate other women’s success—there is room for everyone at the top.
• Advocate for fair hiring, promotion, and pay.
• Call out biases when you see them.
• Mentor and uplift women behind you.

5. Keep Learning, Keep Growing

The workplace is evolving rapidly, and women who continuously upskill and adapt are 50% more likely to land leadership roles. How do you stay ahead of industry trends as a woman?

• Take courses, attend workshops, and keep sharpening your skills.
• Develop leadership skills. Even if you’re not a leader yet, start thinking like one.
• Be adaptable. The future of work is shifting, make sure you shift with it.

Final Thoughts: The Time is Now

The future of work must include equal representation of women in leadership and equal pay for equal work

So go be the change you want to see and support other women as you rise.

Share your thoughts and leave a comment below.