By Anshu Saxena
“Effort is what ignites that ability and turns it into accomplishment” -Carol Dweck
Celebrating Women’s Day & Harmony Day: A Call for Inclusivity and Change
I extend my heartiest congratulations to all the incredible women and the communities that uplift them as we celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s Month. This day is not just about recognition; it’s about appreciating the tireless efforts of women and the allies who strive to create a balanced workforce and a more inclusive society.
A special thank you to Tiya Gorain and Alpana Srivastava, who have empowered hundreds of women and men, fostering a community where everyone can thrive.
When Alpana invited me to write for She Magazine, I found myself starting and stopping—not due to a lack of confidence, but because the statistics I encountered were both inspiring and disheartening.
The Progress & The Challenges
A heartfelt thank you to the millions of women and men who, in 1975, gave International Women’s Day official global recognition. Today, more than 100 countries celebrate this occasion on March 8th.
Some notable strides have been made:
✅ Women now hold 26% of parliamentary seats, a significant rise from 11% in 1995.
✅ 5.8% of Fortune 500 CEOs are women—a number that still demands growth.
Yet, challenges remain:
🔹 Women make up 39% of the global workforce but are still underrepresented in leadership and high-paying decision-making roles.
🔹 Many women were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, forced to leave jobs due to caregiving responsibilities and economic instability.
IWD 2025: Accelerate Action
The theme for IWD 2025 is “Accelerate Action”, underscoring the urgency of pushing forward faster for a balanced workforce. Now is the time for real, measurable change in policies, mindsets, and opportunities.
(Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics – ABS)
An Ode to the Everyday Woman
She is the epitome of success—
Whether working in the fields,
Carrying water pitchers on her head,
Walking the ramp,
Or researching the next cure for cancer.
She turns a penny into a meal,
Leads a household or a corporation,
Works 24/7 with a workload even AI would refuse.
Her energy is boundless,
Her dreams limitless.
She answers endless questions,
A force of synergy and resilience.
Yet, why do we still consider her a “second half”?
Why is it acceptable to leave her without education, without a home,
To ignore her requests for equal pay,
To define her worth by her economic status?
Are we the changemakers?
Are we the generation that will succeed in transforming mindsets?
It is time to learn, unlearn, and break barriers.
To all the women carving their own paths, and to the men who uplift and support them—you inspire change.
Harmony Day: A Call for Peace & Inclusion
As we celebrate Harmony Day, let’s remember that inclusivity is not just about gender—it’s about embracing diversity, respecting differences, and fostering a society where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
🌏 Harmony Day reminds us that strength lies in unity. Just as we advocate for gender equality, we must also be curious, open, and willing to change mindsets for a more peaceful and harmonious world.
Here’s to women’s empowerment, inclusivity, and the collective strength of our communities!
💜 Wishing a very Happy Women’s Day & Harmony Day to all the members of She Magazine!
Stay fearless.
Stay authentic.
Stay the force that you are.
Kind regards,
Anshu (Anna)
Director, Australis forever 8x
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