Each year, International Women’s Day is both a celebration and a reckoning. Progress is real, but unfortunately, so are the barriers that remain. This year’s global theme from UN Women, ‘Balance the Scales,’ is a reminder that equality is about ensuring every woman and girl is safe, heard and free to shape her own life.

Yet across the world, too many still face discriminatory systems, gender-based violence and structural obstacles that limit very basic opportunities and access to justice. These challenges are not inevitable. They’re built, and that means they can, indeed, be dismantled.

When women stand on equal footing, the benefits ripple outward: families are stronger, workplaces are fairer and communities are far more resilient. Equality should never be an advantage for a few. It’s dignity and fairness for all.

In 2026, our second annual Women of Influence spotlight brings together leaders from across industries and geographies who are not only shaping business and communities, but also challenging what leadership should look like.

Their journeys differ, but a common thread runs through them. They know, firsthand, that progress demands action, not just intention. And this year, rather than simply reflecting on achievements, we asked each of these powerhouse females to issue a call to action – practical steps all leaders can take.

As you read their calls to action, consider your own role. Because ‘balancing the scales’ is not the responsibility of women alone – it’s a leadership imperative for everyone.

Meet the Women of Influence 2026

 

Tyra Banks, Founder, SMiZE & Dream

“Your path doesn’t have to be linear to be legendary. Curiosity is just as powerful as expertise. And you are allowed to evolve – loudly, boldly and imperfectly. I want women to know that reinvention is not giving something up to start something else, it’s a power move.”

Rochelle Courtenay, Founder & Managing Director, Share the Dignity

“This International Women’s Day, we’re asking women to do more than post, march or nod in agreement. We’re asking you to help finish the job. Period poverty is not a niche issue or a charity problem. It is a system failure that quietly limits girls’ education, women’s work, health and participation every single month.

“The next decade is our chance to move beyond short-term fixes and build something permanent. Something structural. Something that means no girl, anywhere in Australia, ever has to choose between dignity and getting on with her life. In the next decade, we won’t just end period poverty in Australia, we’ll make sure it never comes back by shifting focus from relief to resilience, access to agency and products to policy.”

Faryal Sohail, Senior Manager – Protocols, Interloop

“My call to action for every leader – regardless of gender – is to consciously create spaces where women can thrive with confidence, dignity and equal opportunity. Leadership today is not only about achieving results but about enabling others to rise with you.

“As someone who has navigated challenges in both life and career, I urge leaders to recognize potential beyond stereotypes, to value consistency over conformity and to celebrate resilience as much as results. Every woman deserves to be seen not just for her role but for her journey – and every leader has the power to make that recognition meaningful.”

Lauryn Bosstick, Founder & CEO, The Skinny Confidential

“A CEO doesn’t have to look like the traditional image of a white man in a suit and blazer. They can have a kitten heel and a great eyebrow. It doesn’t have to mirror what we’ve seen in the past.

“The face of leadership is changing, and change can feel disruptive … even uncomfortable. But as a woman, you can walk into a room full of men and own it. And if that makes someone uncomfortable, that discomfort belongs to them – not you.”

Laura Goldberg, COO, Hurricane’s Grill

“Enough talk. A little less conversation, glossy campaigns, branded cupcakes or panel events with the same five voices, saying the same things. We know what needs to change. We need more action. Leaders need to ask and answer, ‘Why aren’t we changing it?’

“This International Women’s Day, don’t post the quote or have a lovely morning tea and call it a day. Do the work – audit your pay structure, look at your leadership pipeline, who’s being developed and who’s being taken for granted, set real targets, give flexibility without guilt, promote someone who isn’t in your image, back the woman who doubts herself, fund the initiative you said you’d revisit next quarter. Don’t just celebrate women. Pay them fairly, promote them, mentor them and listen to what they actually need to stay and thrive.”

Danita Harris, Founder & Executive Director, GUICE Foundation

“My call to action for every woman leader this International Women’s Day is simple but powerful: Stand up, speak proud and own your brilliance. Be confident in your ability to outperform, outthink and outlast – not because you have to prove anything but because you were created with purpose.

“This is the time for women to lead boldly, speak with conviction and refuse to apologize for their strength. The world doesn’t just need our participation – it needs our leadership, our voices and our unwavering authenticity.”

Christine Galle-Luczak, Founder & CEO, Heavens Portfolio

“For every leader, my call to action is, ‘Lift as you climb’. Mentor, support and champion others. Foster environments where teams feel empowered, inspired and capable of realizing their full potential. Leadership is not about occupying a position at the top; it is about opening doors for others, amplifying voices and creating ripple effects that extend far beyond your own organization.

“We have a unique opportunity to redefine leadership for the future – one that prioritizes empathy, courage, collaboration and purpose. If each of us commits to leading with integrity and compassion, the ripple effects will be felt.”

Susan Cooper, Co-Founder & Creative Director, Bright Star Kids

“Dream bigger, break the rules and refuse to play it safe. I’ve seen that my male counterparts are much more adventurous and willing to push the boundaries than women are. If you can’t even imagine achieving a big goal, you certainly won’t achieve it. Break free from the self-imposed limits and the comfort zone. If I hadn’t pushed beyond my initial small vision, we would never have the massive operations or the international footprint we have today.”

Nidhi Sharma, Co-Founder & Director, Guni SMS

“My call to action for every leader this International Women’s Day is to lead with inclusion and intention. Create spaces where women feel heard, supported and empowered to grow – not just invited to the table but trusted to shape the conversation. When we lift others, we lift entire communities.”

Di Westaway, Founder, Wild Women on Top and Coastrek

“This International Women’s Day, I want to challenge every leader to look beyond morning teas, panels and slogans and ask a harder question: What are you doing to help women thrive, not just survive?

“Lead differently. Create cultures where women’s health, vitality and longevity are treated as leadership priorities, not just a regulatory obligation. Mandate movement, sunlight, fresh air, social connection and recovery as essentials – not indulgences. Normalize walking meetings, nutritious food and quality sleep. Make time for wellbeing. Reward sustainable performance – not chronic overwork. This International Women’s Day, don’t just celebrate women. Transform their lives.”

Nicola Quincey, Partner, EMEA AWS Alliance Leader, PwC

“Recognize and value the incredible skills that parents – particularly women – develop through raising children. Maternity leave is not an extended holiday; it’s a crash course in logistics, negotiation, empathy, prioritization and planning.

“Leaders should see these as leadership capabilities, not career interruptions. By doing so, we’ll create workplaces that truly value the full experience and potential of every individual.”

Silvia Dornieden, Partner – EMEA Workday Alliance Leader, PwC

“Don’t just celebrate women – sponsor them. Advocate for them. Open doors they didn’t even know existed. Make space at the table, then step back and listen. True leadership isn’t about echoing your own voice; it’s about amplifying others.

“And finally, lead with courage, not comfort – because progress never comes from playing it safe.”

Kim Gravel, Founder, Belle by Kim Gravel / CEO & President, Hardee Girl

“My call to action is simple and direct: Lead as yourself, not as the version you think leadership requires. Invest in women’s voices, ideas and platforms not as a gesture, but as a strategy. Create environments where honesty is valued, experience is respected at every stage of life and success is not limited by outdated narratives. Most importantly, do not wait for permission. Whether you are leading a company, a team or your own next chapter, real leadership comes from trusting yourself, taking risks and showing up as who you truly are.

“The world does not need more perfect leaders. It needs more authentic ones. International Women’s Day is not just a celebration of progress. It is a reminder that leadership rooted in confidence, courage and compassion creates lasting impact.”

Melissa Lawson, Founder & Managing Director, Acumen Accounting Group

“My call to action for every leader this International Women’s Day is to lead with humanity and intention.

“Redefine success beyond revenue and recognition to mean balance, wellbeing and empowerment. Lead in a way that reminds others that strength can be gentle, and empathy is one of the most powerful tools of change we have. Because when we lead with integrity and heart, we don’t just change our workplaces, we change what leadership looks like for the next generation. And right now, I believe that’s exactly what the world needs.”

Gina Fyffe, CEO, Integra Petrochemicals

“Make diversity unremarkable. At Integra Petrochemicals, we create an inclusive environment that attracts top-tier talent and fosters an environment where we are all different, but we all fit in and bring our individuality to the table. That diversity of opinion and thought process, teamed with the ability to listen and be team players, means we make fewer mistakes and can learn in a non-judgmental and open environment.

“This type of environment fosters creativity and problem-solving. This serves over time as an ongoing competitive advantage, particularly in today’s shrinking labor market, driving our business forward. Is this radical? Not to us; it comes naturally and sits comfortably – and unremarkably.”

Johanne McNally Myers, Executive Vice President, Human Resources, High Liner Foods

“Far too often, self-care is mistaken for selfishness, but the two are very different. Putting yourself first doesn’t mean you are being selfish – if you can’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of others.

“As a call to action, please take time for yourselves, identify what you need in order to be your best self.”

Didem Kara, Performance Strategist, Didem Kara

“Stop trying to ‘hold your breath’ to survive the pressure; learn to use it to power your ascent. My call to action is to redefine strength not as endurance until collapse, but as sustainable management of your biological energy. In a world that glorifies burnout, be the rebel who prioritizes nervous system regulation.

“Don’t just break the glass ceiling with force; dissolve the stress barriers within yourself first. When you master your breath and your mind, no depth is too scary, and no peak is unreachable. Dive deep, rise strong.”

Lai Ching Kok, Managing Director, Edrington Southeast Asia Pacific

“Be crystal clear with your goals, values and non-negotiables. As leaders, we are here to make an impact. You cannot make an impact without making a dent; hence, don’t conform – be OK with sticking out and speaking up. Lead with excellence, courage and decisiveness guided by fairness and authentic care.”

Jane Lu, Founder & CEO, Showpo

“Show up. It’s that simple. Trust me, I know ‘we’re all busy’, there are always a thousand things to juggle, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. But here’s the truth – that’s just an excuse. You can spend all your time chipping away at those dopamine tasks like clearing out the inbox (you know, the ones that give you a quick hit of satisfaction), but real growth comes from putting in the hard yards on the dividend tasks, the ones that actually shift the needle. That’s what showing up really looks like.

“Show up for yourself every day – show up online and build your personal brand, and show up for the moments that matter with friends and family. Presence is influence and attention is your currency.”

Natalie Irvine, Chief of Sales & Marketing, RedZed Lending

“My call to action this International Women’s Day is simple: Share what you know.

“Whatever your skill is – leadership, finance, mentoring, cooking, creativity – give it to your community, your workplace and your friends. ‘Give to gain’ isn’t just a phrase; it’s how real change happens. When women lift each other up, everyone rises.”

Cynthia Payne, Founder & Managing Director, Anchor Impact Group

“This International Women’s Day, let us not only celebrate achievements but also commit to concrete actions that will genuinely ‘balance the scales’ for every woman, everywhere. Our collective effort is essential to building a more equitable and just world.

“Pave the way for future female leaders. For those of us in the latter stages of our careers, we bear an undeniable responsibility to actively pave the way and open doors for the next generation of female leaders. This goes beyond mere mentorship; it requires a proactive commitment to dismantle the systemic inequalities and unconscious biases that continue to impede women’s advancement. Advocate for fair opportunities, equitable promotion pathways and inclusive workplace cultures where young women can thrive and reach their full potential.”

Preeti Khillan, Managing Director, Western Specialist Centre

“This International Women’s Day, my call to action for every leader, regardless of gender, profession or background, is simple yet urgent: Lead with equity, empathy and example.

“We live in a world where the conversation about women’s empowerment has never been louder, yet the lived experiences of countless women remain unheard. Progress will not come from celebration alone; it will come from commitment to creating spaces where women are not just present but powerful.”

Pamela Jabbour, Founder & CEO, Total Image Group

“This International Women’s Day, I urge leaders to move from intention to action. Build organizations where people feel proud to work, where women have real pathways to lead and where purpose, inclusion and accountability are lived every day. That is how we create workplaces and industries that are stronger and more future-focused for generations to come.”

Kathryn Porritt, Founder & CEO, Iconic Empire

“Stop negotiating with your own brilliance. This International Women’s Day, I am asking every leader reading this to identify one place where they have been playing smaller than their capability, one price they have set lower than their value and one position they have declined to claim because it felt too audacious. And I am asking them to change it. Not next quarter. Not when conditions improve. Now.

“The world does not need more talented women waiting for permission. It needs more talented women, demonstrating what becomes possible when permission is no longer required. Be brave enough to say: ‘I am the best in the world at this.’ Then build everything from that foundation. Your place is here. Your time is now.”

Bonnie Godsman, CEO, GAMA Global

“This International Women’s Day, I encourage every leader to recognize and amplify the unique perspective women bring. When different voices are heard, teams make better decisions and organizations grow stronger.”

Van Mulryan, General Manager, TAG Heuer

“Sponsor a woman’s professional growth through mentorship, networking or allyship.”

Ryna Brito-Garcia, CEO, Sunlight Air

“Many qualities often labeled as ‘feminine’, such as empathy, adaptive resilience, intuition and collaborative leadership, are still underestimated in traditional leadership models. Yet in practice, these are the very traits that make leaders more effective, especially in complex and high-pressure environments.

“Instead of suppressing these traits to fit traditional molds, leaders should lean into them. When used intentionally, these so-called feminine values don’t soften leadership – they sharpen it, making leaders more human, more decisive and ultimately more effective.”

Michelle Romero, CEO, Altura Health

“Normalize not knowing. Accept that no-one is meant to excel in every domain and reject the pressure to project certainty at all times. For many years, I believed that leadership required having every answer and every skill. I hesitated to ask questions or admit when something was unfamiliar, thinking it would reflect poorly on me. In reality, the willingness to acknowledge gaps in knowledge is not a weakness but a mark of confidence.

“I encourage leaders to back themselves. Take opportunities when they arise, and do not wait to feel entirely ready before stepping forward. Equally, create opportunities where none exist. Growth often occurs in the moments where certainty is absent, but determination is present.”

Katia Graytok, Founder, Kaleidoscope Luxury PR & Communications

“This International Women’s Day, I challenge each of us to embrace the transformative power of kindness and collaboration. Spend a meaningful day with someone – whether it’s a colleague, mentee or fellow woman entrepreneur – and expose them to something that broadens their perspective. Take them to a museum, share a private collection, arrange a behind-the-scenes tour or simply sit together with a book that has inspired your journey.

“Your invitation this International Women’s Day: Who will you spend a day with? What will you share? The ripple effects of that one meaningful connection may surprise you both.”

Gina Rinehart, Executive Chairman, Hancock Prospecting

“This International Women’s Day, let’s cut the talk and get to what matters. Women don’t need quotas or handouts, they need a level playing field of opportunities and the chance to prove themselves through hard work, just like anyone else.

“My call to every leader out there, whether you run a company, a board or a government, is simple: Back real investment in industries that create jobs – not red and green tape that kills them. Fight for lower taxes, less regulation and policies that encourage growth. This ensures we can keep building projects like Roy Hill, where women make up a big part of the workforce and earn well above average wages. Stop the virtue signaling and start delivering.”

Jennifer Styles, COO, Symphony

“Move beyond celebration and into commitment. Create environments where women don’t have to assimilate to succeed, where diverse perspectives are treated as strategic advantage and where leadership is defined by impact, not proximity to power.

“Most importantly, act consistently. Real change doesn’t come from one day or one statement – it comes from everyday decisions about who is heard, who is trusted and who is given the opportunity to lead.”

Biana Murnane, President & CEO, BrightStar Credit Union

“Invest in women at every stage of their journey. Create workplaces where caregivers aren’t penalized, where diverse voices shape decisions and where potential is recognized early and championed often. Equity grows when leaders choose it daily.”

Michele Wee, Founder & CEO, Who Says I Can’t

“To every leader: Embrace personal accountability. Take that first courageous step to make a difference, reflect often and discover your north star. With clarity and conviction, turn vision into action and inspire others to do the same. ‘Who says I can’t’ is more than a motto – it is a call for all of us to rise, grow and give back, knowing that together, we can create a future defined by possibility and purpose.”

Colleen Callander, Founder, Mentor Me Women

“This International Women’s Day, my message to every leader is simple, intentional and deeply needed in the world we are living and leading in today. Lead in a way that lifts others higher. Back your people. Believe in their potential, especially when they doubt themselves. Confidence often needs a spark before it becomes a flame, and leaders can be that spark.”

Jenny Richards, Founder & Head of Brands and Innovation, NTT Pet

“This International Women’s Day, my call to action is simple: Trust your experience, lead with purpose and take the step forward – even if the path is not yet fully clear. Stop waiting for permission, validation or the perfect moment to step forward. Actively challenge age and gender bias by recognizing capability over convention. When we broaden our definition of leadership, we unlock talent, perspective and impact that might otherwise be lost.

“Finally, I urge women who have built influence to lift others as they rise – through mentorship, advocacy and visible support. Progress is accelerated when women share knowledge openly and create space for the next generation to lead.”

Aileen Regio, Co-Coordinator, Eastern Communications

“This International Women’s Day, I implore you all to never stop learning about your craft. Be a sponge at all times, gathering as much knowledge as you can. Continue to maintain that student mindset, and do not seek perfection but seek enlightenment always.”

Vesna Vrankovic, Chief People Officer, FTI Group

“Strength is built from the obstacles you face. Yes, they are hard, but some paths cannot be taught – they need to be lived through. That is what makes a great leader. The ability to understand everyone from the top to the shop floor.”

Tun Kim Ong, General Manager, IBM Manufacturing Solutions

“My call to action for every leader is simple: Lead with clarity, lead with courage and lead with a heart. Remember that every voice matters, every idea counts and every person feels safe to be themselves. Leadership is a privilege. Use it to lift others higher than they ever imagined possible.

“This International Women’s Day, let’s move beyond celebration to action. Be the leader who uses your influence for good because your leadership can change lives.”

Amanda Vinci, Founder & CEO, The EA Institute

“My call to action is to lead consciously. This means examining where your systems rely on invisible labor, emotional load or over-functioning and choosing to redesign them. It means developing people rather than extracting performance and recognizing that inclusion, equity and wellbeing are not values statements but daily leadership practices embedded in how decisions are made.

“For women in leadership, stop waiting for permission to take up space. Your lived experience, perspective and voice are not things to dilute or soften. They are sources of clarity and strength, and they belong at decision-making tables.”

Ashley Flaska, Vice President of Marketing, Zones

“My call to action is deeply personal: Be intentional about the leaders you develop and the voices you elevate. Early in my career, I benefited from leaders who saw my potential before I fully saw it myself – and who were willing to advocate for me when it mattered most, not just when it was comfortable. That kind of sponsorship changes careers.

“Leadership is ultimately about legacy. The results we drive today matter, but the doors we open for others determine the impact we leave behind. This International Women’s Day, I encourage every leader to look at who they are lifting, who they are listening to and who they are empowering – because progress only happens when opportunity is intentionally passed forward.”

Sam Pedram, Chair of the Board of Directors, Australian Institute of Project Management

“This International Women’s Day, my call to action for every leader is simple: Move beyond support and into accountability. Examine the systems you oversee – who they reward, who they silence and who they leave behind – and be prepared to change them, not just champion individuals within them. Real progress for women comes when leaders use their authority to remove structural barriers, measure outcomes and create environments where leadership is defined by integrity, capability and courage – not conformity.”

Linda Mellors, Outgoing Managing Director & CEO, Regis Aged Care

“My call to action is to review all areas of your business for data and signs pointing to gender inequality. Data can drive rapid improvements, for example, in addressing gender pay gaps. We shouldn’t still be talking about gender pay gaps in 2026, so any business that hasn’t addressed this yet should do so immediately.

“I also ask all leaders to look at feminized industries like aged care and ensure leaders are lending their voices and influence to foster respect, fair pay, visibility, a voice and celebration of the excellent work being done day in and day out.”

Nora Fraser, Founder & CEO, The Multicultural Professional Network & Equi Consultancy Partners

“This International Women’s Day, I urge every leader to move beyond intentions and take deliberate, measurable action to advance inclusion. Commit to creating workplaces where diverse talent is not only hired but also nurtured, supported and empowered to lead. Sponsor and mentor underrepresented professionals, listen to their voices and ensure they have opportunities to shape decisions at every level.

“Leaders should also embed equity into their organizational strategies, aligning business success with social impact. Small actions, such as advocating for diverse teams or championing inclusive policies can create exponential change. By choosing to lead with purpose and courage, we can collectively redefine leadership, unlock potential and leave a lasting, positive legacy for women and underrepresented talent worldwide.”

Athena Manley, Founder & CEO, The Flexible CEO

“This International Women’s Day, I encourage every leader – especially women and those in the later stages of their careers – to recognize their value and step boldly into their next chapter.

“Ask yourself: Are you leading at the level you’re capable of or simply at the level you’ve been allowed to? My hope is that every leader – seasoned or emerging – chooses courage over comfort, strategy over stigma and purpose over politics. Your next chapter is waiting. Step into it with conviction.”

Brandie Deignan, CEO, Pier Health

“We have spent decades discussing gender equality and celebrating incremental progress. The time for comfortable conversation has passed. My call to action is unequivocal: Stop waiting for perfect conditions and start creating them. Accelerate action by making leadership opportunities accessible to those traditionally excluded.

“Toxic cultures consume women’s careers. Environments that tolerate bias, reward presenteeism over performance and penalize authenticity drive talented women out. Build inclusive cultures where women can thrive authentically. Call out bias in real time. Value diverse communication styles. Create psychological safety where women can challenge ideas and lead without conforming to masculine norms.”

Amy Bird, CEO, Countrywide Metals

“Move beyond performative support and into practical responsibility. If you are a leader, ask yourself: Who is missing from the room, who is doing the invisible work and who would thrive if the system worked differently? Then act – through sponsorship, structural change and honest conversation.

“Leadership is not proven by how well you succeed within the system, but by whether you are willing to improve it. Progress happens when leaders choose courage over comfort and legacy over optics. This International Women’s Day, commit not just to celebrating women but to building environments where they can lead, stay and shape the future.”

Shawnda Huffman, Founder & CEO, Tuuti Agency

“Move beyond celebration and commit to action. International Women’s Day is an opportunity for leaders to examine how power, opportunity and influence are distributed within their organizations – and to make meaningful change.

“I challenge leaders to invest in women through equitable pay, flexible workplaces, mentorship and leadership pathways. True leadership is not measured by titles or revenue alone, but by the doors you open, the voices you elevate and the legacy of opportunity you create for others. When leaders lead with intention and courage, entire communities rise.”

Aparna Watal, Partner, Halfords IP

“Stop waiting for someone or even yourself to be ‘ready’. Readiness is often a moving target applied unevenly. Instead, look for capability, potential and intent and then back it with trust and opportunity.

“This International Women’s Day, commit to one tangible action: Sponsor someone, share power, challenge a default assumption or make space where there wasn’t any before. Progress does not happen because we talk about it. It happens because someone decides to move.”

Oxana Brookes, Partner, Redgrave Partners

“Where I come from, International Women’s Day has always been a day of recognition. And while it feels wonderful to be celebrated once a year, my hope is that by the time my son enters the workplace, International Women’s Day will be obsolete because women of all backgrounds and origins will receive the recognition they deserve every single day of the year.”

Teresa Browne-Parris, Founder, NotaryToday

“This International Women’s Day, my call to action for every leader is simple but urgent: Lead with intention, and build what you once needed. Leadership is not defined by visibility alone – it is defined by responsibility. If you hold influence, ask yourself who has access to it, who is being prepared to lead next and whose voices are still missing from the conversation. Equity is not achieved through statements of support but through structures that create opportunity, accountability and advancement.

“On International Women’s Day – and every day – the measure of leadership is not how far you rise, but how many you bring with you.”

Divya Mehta, CEO, Decode Group

“This International Women’s Day, my message to every leader is to embrace influence with courage, empathy and purpose. Leadership is not defined by title or authority; it is defined by the positive impact you create on people, communities and industries. True leadership is built through the daily work of showing up, especially when conditions are anything but easy, and consistently choosing to lead with integrity and care.

“I encourage leaders to champion diversity, equity and inclusion. Create pathways for women and underrepresented voices to thrive. Invest in mentorship, actively challenge systemic barriers and amplify perspectives that have historically been overlooked. Influence carries responsibility; it is about the legacy you leave through the opportunities you enable and the lives you touch.”

Jessica Pringle, President of Asia–Pacific, Metso

“International Women’s Day 2026 asks us to do more than celebrate progress – it challenges us to ‘balance the scales’. That means recognizing that equality is not achieved simply by intent, policy or rhetoric. It is achieved when systems, decisions and power structures deliver fair outcomes in practice, especially for those who have historically been unheard, unseen or unsafe.

“Balancing the scales also means using influence deliberately. Sponsorship, advocacy and visibility matter – particularly for women from underrepresented and marginalized communities. Advice is valuable, but action is transformative.”

Birgit Breitschuh, Partner & COO, Oliver Wight EAME

“This International Women’s Day, I encourage every leader to create conditions for meaningful, enjoyable work. Celebrate contributions visibly, ensure that everyone feels valued and foster an environment where people are empowered to bring their full selves to the table. Leadership isn’t just about results – it’s about cultivating a culture where people can thrive, feel seen and do work that matters.”

Amy Yeh, Chief Technology Officer, MediaAlpha

“This International Women’s Day, my call to action for every leader is to move beyond recognition and actively invest in women as leaders. Acknowledge the women who are already making meaningful contributions, then create real opportunities for them to lead. That can mean sponsoring them for expanded roles, encouraging them to take on visible challenges or trusting them to explore new technologies and ideas.

“Equally important is taking the time to understand the professional and personal goals of the women on your teams and creating space for them to stretch, take risks and grow. When women are given a true seat at the table, with authority, support and accountability, the impact extends well beyond the individual. It strengthens teams, accelerates innovation and builds more collaborative, resilient organizations.”

Tahlia Isaac, Founder & CEO, Project:herSELF

“Include us when you talk about us. Include us when you do anything that impacts us. We want real decision-making power; we don’t need to be fixed or spoken for. We are more than capable of determining our own futures.

“I am publishing a book, She Is Me, this International Women’s Day – it’ll be the largest collection of stories from women who have been in prison ever published. My call to action is to buy this book, read it and then share the stories with people you know. The more we can share our humanity, the less divided we will feel from one another.”

Annie Muller, General Manager, KG Gold Care

“The 2026 International Women’s Day theme, ‘Balance the Scales’, calls for action, not aspiration. My call to action is for leaders to balance opportunity with accountability. Build systems that allow women to lead without having to choose between performance and personal responsibility. Design roles and expectations that reflect real lives, not outdated assumptions and measure progress through outcomes.

“For women, balancing the scales means backing your judgment and recognizing that lived experience strengthens leadership. For organizations, it means removing structural barriers and holding leaders accountable for developing others. When leadership systems are fair, flexible and accountable, women do not just participate. They shape the future.”

Lisa Laird Dunn, President & CEO, Laird & Company

“My call to action this International Women’s Day is for women to believe in themselves, work hard, mentor one another and have the courage to lead – even on the days when it feels difficult. We all have days when quitting feels easier than continuing. Those are the moments when strength matters the most. And you need to believe in yourself. There is something uniquely powerful about being a woman in business and having the courage to chart your own course.

“I once read a quote by Estée Lauder that has always stayed with me: ‘I never dreamed about success. I worked for it.’ That sentiment resonated deeply with me, because women, as a group, have worked hard, very hard to earn our place today. When you look at how many women now lead companies across the business landscape, it’s clear how far we’ve come. Continuing this progress means leading with courage and ensuring others have the opportunity to rise. So, let’s keep taking chances, trusting our voices and remembering that we are strongest when we move forward together.”

Natasha Gold, Founder, Executive Coach & Senior Consultant, The Gold Consultancy

“On International Women’s Day, I encourage leaders to resist performance and recommit to substance. Lead with clarity, composure and judgment. Especially when the pressure is high. Influence that lasts is built quietly, through consistency of thought and integrity of action.”

Eugenia Lista-Zaharchuk, President, E.L. Productions

“This International Women’s Day, I challenge every leader, regardless of gender, to commit one bold act of empowerment. Don’t just celebrate women; actively dismantle the barriers we’ve spent decades navigating. Here’s my specific call to action, drawn from building E.L. Productions through resource scarcity, motherhood without safety nets and industry collapse: Mentor ruthlessly; build cultures where people stay, not just learn; share innovation, don’t hoard it and model integrated lives, normalizing entrepreneurship and family.

“Leaders: Pick one action today. Announce it on March 8 with #WomenOfInfluence2026. The ripple? Transformed teams, industries and futures. Your move creates momentum, join me in proving what’s possible.”

Seema Harsha, Co-Founder & COO, Indiassetz

“This isn’t a message just for International Women’s Day. Every single day, the call to action remains the same: Women must not step off the career ramp, and leaders must stop designing systems that quietly push them off it.

“Design workplaces that keep women on the career ramp, and design financial ecosystems that encourage women to become active owners of wealth – not passive beneficiaries. When women earn, invest and grow their own portfolios, they don’t just participate in the economy – they shape it. That is when we can truly say empowerment has been achieved.”

Divya Lal, Director – Business Innovation & Strategy, Barker Henley Global

“My call to action for every leader this International Women’s Day is simple but not easy: Move beyond intention and take structural action. Do not just encourage women to be confident. Design systems where they are genuinely safe to be heard. Do not just celebrate potential; create pathways that turn that potential into authority, influence and decision-making power. Do not just talk about inclusion; measure it, resource it and hold leaders accountable for it.

“Advancing women in leadership is not a social initiative. It is a performance strategy. Organizations that fully leverage the capability, perspective and leadership of women make better decisions, build stronger cultures and deliver more sustainable results. Do not just open doors. Change who holds the keys and redesign the building.”

Elle Likopoulos, Director, Absolute Business Brokers

“My call to action is simple: Lead with humanity. We don’t need more leaders who know how to manage; we need leaders who know how to care. The past few years have tested every industry – burnout, entitlement and unrealistic expectations have become the new normal. Too many people are running on empty, and too many leaders are afraid to speak honestly about it.

“So this International Women’s Day, I’m asking every leader – male or female – to rethink what strength looks like. Strength isn’t perfection, and it isn’t control. It’s the courage to lead with empathy, to prioritize wellbeing and to remind people that kindness is not a weakness – it’s a strategy for longevity.”

Karen Coyne, President, WomenExecs on Boards

“The call to action for every leader this International Women’s Day is to be the best authentic ‘you’ possible to help lead the way. No matter what is happening around you, your organization or its teams and communities, many are counting on you directly or indirectly.

“You earned the privilege to be in the position you hold through hard work, many obstacles and sheer perseverance. How will you use that privilege to lead others in this time and place in which we live?”

Kate Palmer, COO, Peninsula

“Be your authentic self and show your personality. Don’t conform to what you think society and business expects – business needs all sorts of people and characters. I think that there is a pressure on women leaders to present as uber-professional when at work; this usually claims some of their personality as collateral. As much as I understand and have been through this phase too, I think it is so important that we stay true to ourselves. People will have something to say about you no matter what.

“Being your authentic self at work leaves you with more energy to focus on work. Authenticity is golden – you will find it easier to build genuine connections with colleagues, clients and other leaders because of it. You might even inspire younger staff members to come out of their shell, which is always a huge plus.”

Michelle Shelley Vickers, Marketing Manager & Community/Client Relations, Scherer Construction of North Florida

“My call to action for every leader this International Women’s Day is to pause – truly pause – and reflect on how far you’ve come and where you started. Take pride in your hard work, your resilience and the lessons earned along the way. But don’t stop there. Dare to keep going. Dare to want more, learn more and become more.

“Train, guide and mentor those in your path. Lift others as you climb, and remember that your example may be shaping someone’s future in ways you’ll never fully see. And through it all, don’t forget to love deeply, laugh often and enjoy each and every day. Leadership is powerful, but a life well lived is the greatest impact of all.”

Sylvia Kwan, CEO & CIO, Ellevest

“This International Women’s Day, my call to action for every leader, regardless of industry, is to close the ‘imagination gap’ that continues to stall progress for women. As leaders, we are conditioned to prioritize optimization as our primary metric of success. Whether it is optimizing supply chains, profit margins or investment returns, we often fall into the trap of believing that more is inherently always better. We need to expand our thinking from only optimizing outputs to optimizing outcomes.

“Let’s stop breaking glass ceilings just to enter a broken room. Instead, let’s commit to real change, where clients and employees have the support and opportunity to reach their greatest potential and live their best lives.”

Kjirstin Breure, CEO, Chair & President, HydroGraph Clean Power

“If you lead a company, ask yourself whether women are truly being trusted with real authority, difficult problems and long-term upsides – not just visibility. Representation matters, but access to decision-making, capital and technical ownership matters more.

“Leaders must challenge bias where it actually shows up: in who gets funded, who gets promoted, who is listened to in technical discussions and who is expected to ‘prove it’ repeatedly. That requires intention, accountability and the willingness to question long-standing norms. Progress doesn’t come from celebrating women one day a year. It comes from building systems where talent is recognized early, risk is shared fairly and leadership is earned without double standards.”

Allia Saydjari, Vice President of Strategy & Sustainability, WIN Waste Innovations

“Lean into discomfort and embrace your differences. Every adversity you face becomes a step upon your stairwell of ascent. Growth rarely happens in comfort zones, and innovation thrives when we bring our authentic selves to the table.

“So, my challenge to every leader is this: Foster cultures that reward courage, not just compliance. Encourage your teams to take risks, speak up and bring their whole selves to work. And for those navigating their own journeys, remember that discomfort is not a sign of failure; it’s a signal of growth. Stand out. Be bold. And never compromise your authenticity for acceptance.”

Maha Jweied, CEO, Responsible Business Initiative for Justice

“My call to action is simple: Leaders must continue to make space for women and individuals from overlooked communities to thrive in their organizations – from the ground floor to the C-suite. Diverse leadership is critical for success. In fact, studies show that more diverse organizations perform better than non-diverse ones.

“It’s not just the right thing to do, it’s good for business.”

Roselle Marisol Andaya, CEO, Mr. DIY Philippines 

“Lead with accountability, empower with inclusivity and act with empathy. Accountability means owning decisions and outcomes, especially in times of crisis, and modeling responsibility that inspires trust. Inclusivity means opening doors for diverse voices, ensuring women, caregivers and underrepresented groups are not just present but empowered to lead.

“Empathy means recognizing the human side of leadership – valuing wellbeing, resilience and community impact alongside business success. Every leader has the power to shape not only their organizations but also industries, communities and future generations. Turn influence into impact – build workplaces and societies where resilience, diversity and compassion are the cornerstones of progress.”

Stella Sarraf, Founder, CEO & Director, Spinogenix

“My call to action for every leader this International Women’s Day is simple: Go for it.

“If you’re passionate about something, the worst-case scenario is that you try and fail, but you have attempted to change the world for the better. And if you succeed? You have changed the world. Life is short, and the only regret comes from not trying at all. So, if there’s something you truly want to do, go ahead and do it.

Anna Klis, Founder & CEO, ASAC Consultancy

“My call to action for every leader this International Women’s Day is to lead in a way that expands possibility for others. Leadership is one of the greatest opportunities we are given, the chance to uplift people, influence culture, strengthen communities and shape futures. Leadership matters not only for what we achieve personally but also for what we enable in others. It is a moment to reimagine leadership as an act of empowerment rather than authority.

“Make equity a daily practice. Equity is not a theme reserved for one day; it is a lens through which we lead every day. When equity becomes embedded in our decision-making, we create environments where people feel valued, safe and encouraged to bring their whole selves forward. This is where innovation happens, where teams flourish and where communities begin to see lasting change.”

Mirjana Boznovska, Founder & CEO, One Beyond Success

“Embody the change you want to see. This International Women’s Day, my call to action for leaders is to lead with authenticity and put people first, not as a slogan, but as a lived daily practice. Be generous with your time, influence and resources, and remember that reciprocity fuels trust and accountability.

“As women, we are often conditioned to give without receiving. Balancing the scales means empowering others while valuing ourselves. When we elevate each other, we unlock the full human potential of our workplaces.”

Anna Malmhake, President & CEO, Oriflame

“My call to action is for leaders to recommit to fairness and objectivity in how talent is recognized and advanced. Leadership decisions should be grounded in capability, performance and potential, and it is our responsibility to ensure these are assessed consistently and transparently.

“This means building clear systems where opportunity is accessible, expectations are well-defined and progress is driven by results and contribution. It also requires leaders to challenge bias, examine their own decision-making and take accountability for how people develop and move forward within the organization.”

Minoli Wickramasinghe, Founder, Capital TRUST Properties

“Follow your dreams, no matter what. Women are stronger than we sometimes think we are. Never compromise on your values – that will help you build a sustainable business.”

Danielle Snell, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Elit Lawyers by McGirr & Snell

“Design your practice to be the one you wished you had as a junior lawyer. Don’t just provide a place to work – create an environment that gives others what you didn’t have. Be visible and be open about both your work and your life around it. Give junior lawyers real opportunities. As they grow, the responsibility to lead matters – supported by your mentorship.

“Build systems that give clients a sense of control and involvement in their cases. Use technology to remove friction and keep our team’s effort on relationships and high-value, high-reward activities. Measure your leadership by who is better off because you led.”

Sandra D’Souza, Founder & CEO, Ellect

“Move from intention to action. Equality doesn’t advance through statements of support alone. It advances when leaders actively sponsor women, measure representation in their leadership pipelines and are willing to change systems that no longer serve everyone equally. Ask yourself who is being seen, who is being sponsored, and who is missing from decision-making tables and then take responsibility for closing those gaps. Create cultures where women don’t have to conform to outdated leadership models to succeed, and where inclusion is embedded into how decisions are made every day.

“This International Women’s Day, commit to doing one thing differently that creates opportunity, not just conversation.”

Inge Kormelink, CEO, Tambre Fertility Clinics

“My call to action is clear: Excellence starts with your team. True leadership begins with recognizing that diversity is not an initiative but a strength. Our teams bring together professionals from diverse cultural and international backgrounds, enriching our collective perspective and strengthening empathy in the way we care for patients. This diversity enables us to adapt to individual needs while pursuing a shared commitment to excellence.

“This International Women’s Day, I invite leaders to create environments where people are trusted, challenged and supported to grow. Because when teams thrive, organizations evolve. And when excellence starts with your people, impact grows exponentially.”