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Dear Reader,
Did you know that it will take until the year 2158 to reach full gender parity?
This International Women’s Day, the need to #AccelerateAction emphasises the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality and calls for increased momentum and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face, both in personal and professional spheres.
As individuals, we can all take steps in our daily lives to positively impact women's advancement by calling out stereotypes, challenge discrimination, question bias, celebrate women's success, and so much more. Additionally, sharing our knowledge and encouragement with others is key.
This International Women’s Day, leaders across industries are coming together to #AccelerateAction — championing inclusion, breaking barriers, and driving real change in workplaces and beyond. Stay tuned as the team at HRO will be showcasing inspiring stories, bold initiatives, and game-changing strategies by our power-packed lineup of leaders around the world.
We will be updating this anchor message along the way — so bookmark this and keep your eyes out for our coverage in the weeks ahead!
Wishing all our incredible readers a Happy International Women’s Day — may you continue to inspire, lead, and drive change!
- From your friends at HRO
Watch: Heartwarming stories from leaders on the 'superwomen' in their lives this IWD 2025
As we celebrate women and #AccelerateAction this International Women’s Day, we at HRO asked leaders across the region to share about a woman in their life that has inspired them to do better each day.
From mentors who shaped their careers to mothers whose sacrifices paved their path, each leader shared a deeply personal tribute — expressing gratitude for the women who have left a lasting impact on their lives.
Facing the mirror: How leaders are confronting their own unconscious biases [IWD 2025 special]
Unconscious biases are automatic judgments we make about others based on factors such as gender, age, or race. They are often in the backs of our minds; they subtly influence our decisions and interactions.
These biases stem from forming opinions without sufficient information, shaped by underlying stereotypes we may not even realise we hold. While deeply ingrained, acknowledging their presence is the first step towards building more inclusive workplaces.
In the spirit of this year’s IWD theme, #AccelerateAction, HRO spoke to a diverse group of leaders about their personal experiences in recognising and addressing their own unconscious biases. Their responses highlight not only self-awareness but also the active steps they are taking to spark meaningful change within their organisations.
Accelerating gender equity in the workplace: 19 leaders share their affirmative actions
Actions speak louder than words, and this is equally true when it comes to gender equity.
While we still have a very long way to go to achieve full gender parity – estimated by the World Economic Forum to take 134 years until 2158 – every small step we take now counts.
Building on the personal reflections and insights shared by various leaders in our previous editions of this year’s IWD special feature, let’s turn our focus to somewhere we go almost every day – workplace!
HRO is privileged to speak with a diverse group of leaders across Asia to learn about the measures their organisations are taking to #AccelerateAction on gender equity.
Time for acceleration: Key actions for gender equity shared by 20 leaders
A thriving workplace is one where every individual, regardless of their identity and gender, can bring their best selves to work and have equal opportunities to succeed.
While we have seen improvements in gender representation in many workplaces and boardrooms, there is still much work to be done to create a better world for everyone.
In this process, every organisation, group, and individual worldwide has a role to play.
So, as suggested by the theme of this year's International Women's Day (IWD), it’s time for all of us to #AccelerateAction collectively.
In this edition of our IWD 2025 special feature, leaders across Asia continue to share with HRO the actions their organisations are taking to make an impact.
9 leaders talk about breaking bias and driving action on gender equity
Gender equity goes beyond conversations – it demands action. This International Women’s Day, which passed on 8 March, the theme #AccelerateAction urges bold steps to challenge bias, uplift women, and, most importantly, drive lasting change.
Nine leaders across industries and fields – both women and male allies – have come together to share with the HRO team their personal and professional perspectives on advancing gender equity.
From the women that inspire them, to organisational initiatives that are making a difference, their insights highlight the power of personal commitment and structural change.
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