Accelerate Action: International Women’s Day 2025
This International Women's Day 2025 we're called to "Accelerate Action" for gender equality. This years theme emphasises the urgent need to address systemic barriers and biases faced by women, both personally and professionally. Reflecting on the past, have we moved enough in the right direction?
Reflections on Progress: A Personal Journey
I’ve seen an image recently doing the rounds on the socials of some incredibly styly women from the 1970’s. It turns out they were Iranian politicians. I was struck how powerful and confident they look and to think of the protests and deaths of many people in Iran over just the last few years as people have protested women’s rights, how can 50 years roll back like this.
If anyone caught the series "Miss America" a couple of years ago on the BBC, it was so powerful, depicting the women's rights movement of the 70s, both from women who were trying to get abortion laws enshrined and on the flip side women who were advocating pro-life: how far have we come and what’s our story and fight today?
In my coaching practice, I encounter women who share stories similar to mine—years of waiting for validation, without boundaries, questioning & not trusting myself, wondering if our voices hold weight. Why have we been conditioned to wait for permission?
Generational Shifts: New Definitions of Success
Today, young women are redefining what it means to thrive. They're establishing boundaries and valuing life balance over only ambition—a stark contrast to the "work hard, play hard" ethos I knew. We were sold on the myth of "having it all," only to find it unattainable.
I believe this shift is promising. Younger generations seek meaningful roles, insisting life and workplace should mesh with their values. They're not afraid to ask for flexibility or question conventional success metrics, lighting a path for us all to follow and something to learn and reflect on. Learning flows both ways from experience to the fresh view of a different perspective on the same long-standing problem. One thing I love thinking about is that goals without purpose, are meaningless targets that keep dangling that carrot, so let’s get purpose into our action.
Challenging Barriers: The Elena Musk Story
Imagine if Elon Musk standing in the oval office with a 4-year-old hanging off him, were Elena Musk. Would public opinion have been as devoid of opinion if he were a woman? I can only imagine the bashing of unprofessionalism and prioritisation of her job over child. This scenario underscores the double standards that exist for women in power and calls for transformative change in societal perspectives.
Genuine Support: Building Our Community
Supporting each other goes beyond words. We can offer genuine support through giving time if we can, sharing a coffee and creating communities to share experiences and advice. It’s about providing space to be seen, heard and appreciated. How nice is it when someone drops you a message to say that they loved a post you did that had a really powerful message and love what you’re doing. When we genuinely champion & acknowledge each other it’s priceless and you never know when your words let someone know what they are doing is appreciated. I’ve seen this myself over recent months, as I've ventured into a new industry I’ve been amazed at the incredible women who have generously shared their time, wisdom and a ridiculous amount of WhatsApp questions from me like a 3yr old, “why, why, whys that”! Thanks to you all! Happy to help someone in their journey. But then I thought why am I amazed I’m always happy to help someone if I can.
Unite and Elevate
It’s not just about having motivational slogans. Let’s really accelerate action by cultivating curiosity without judgement—exploring how we can support, sometimes it’s not what we think people need that they actually do, if we’re open and ask questions we might just be surprised the support someone needs, maybe it was just a 5-minute rant! Together, let's champion successes in every sphere, from business, sports and in our personal relationships, look at the women around you. What can you do to support others? Let’s foster a nurturing environment where everyone finds a place. By supporting each other, we unlock potential and accelerate that change.
On this International Women's Day, I invite you to transcend beyond narratives. Let's create substantial change by recognising the power within all women. Offer genuine support, be curious, extend a listening ear or join supportive communities. Let’s drive change together by embracing those paving the way for future generations.
How do you see progress towards gender equality? What more can we do to support each other? I’d love to hear your thoughts and stories, I'm Karen Thom, I created The Foundation Studio to suport women at any stage of their journey, find out more about how I can help you or the women in your community by scheduling a free discovery call, DM me.
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