This International Women’s Day, Let’s Not Just Celebrate – Let’s Accelerate.

Dear Friend,

Every year, we celebrate progress. But this year, we’re asking a different question:

How can we accelerate it?

Because let’s be honest – equity isn’t just about breaking barriers. It’s about building something better.

A workplace where women don’t have to fight for a seat at the table. A culture where leadership isn’t measured by gender, but by vision, courage, and impact.

And the truth is, real change doesn’t happen by accident – it happens because people choose to make it happen.

So today, let’s talk about leadership, action, and how each of us can be part of the transformation.

The Many Ways Women Lead.

Which Leadership Style Speaks to You?

Women lead in ways that are bold, empathetic, strategic, and transformative.

Here are six powerful leadership styles. Which one resonates with you?

• The Encourager – Oprah Winfrey | Elevates others, creating a culture of trust through storytelling.
• The Peacekeeper – Jacinda Ardern | Leads with empathy, turning conflicts into collaboration.
• The Inspirer – Malala Yousafzai | Sparks global movements with the power of her voice.
• The Navigator – Indra Nooyi | Makes sharp, strategic decisions that redefine industries.
• The Visionary – Sara Blakely | Sees what others can’t and challenges the status quo fearlessly.
• The Trailblazer – Ursula Burns | Breaks ceilings so others won’t have to.

The beauty of leadership? It’s not one-size-fits-all. And as we accelerate change, we need all these styles at the table – not just the traditional ones that have been recognized for decades.

At Shenomics, we asked leaders: What Does Accelerating Gender Equity Mean to You?

Here’s what they had to say:

➞ Sumeet Mathur, Senior VP & Managing Director, ServiceNow India

➞ Sunita Wazir, Head of Transformation, Global Health & Wellbeing, Unilever

A leader who believes in driving change from within, Sunita has been instrumental in fostering workplaces where inclusivity isn’t just a policy—it’s a lived experience. Her leadership proves that when we empower women, we empower entire ecosystems—creating a ripple effect of positive transformation.

➞ Veda Persad, Executive India, Northern Trust Corporation

These leaders understand that progress isn’t about intent alone – it’s about measurable change. It’s about creating environments where fairness isn’t conditional and opportunities aren’t limited by bias. Through their leadership, they champion sustainable impact, ensuring that gender equity isn’t just an initiative – it’s a standard embedded in the culture of the organization.

Now the question is: How Can Each of Us Lead Change in Our Own Spheres?

Your Role in Accelerating Change Starts Now

It’s easy to read about change. It’s harder to make it happen.

At Shenomics, we believe that true change happens when each of us steps up – not just as advocates but as active agents of transformation.

So this IWD 2025, let’s move from awareness to action. Here are 12 proven actions that can accelerate change:

1/ Push for Equal Pay & Promotions
↳ Ask: “Are we applying the same standards for everyone?”
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2/ Amplify Women’s Voices
↳ If a woman is interrupted, say: “Let’s hear her finish.”
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3/ Sponsor, Don’t Just Mentor
↳ Name a woman for key opportunities.
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4/ Share the Stage
↳ Decline all-male panels and recommend a woman expert.
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5/ Challenge Bias
↳ Ask: “Would we say this about a man?”
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6/ Normalize Parental Leave
↳ Take your leave – and talk about it openly.
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7/ Call Out Microaggressions
↳ If you hear a dismissive comment, respond: “Let’s be mindful of how we talk about our colleagues.”
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8/ Share Office Housework
↳ Say: “Let’s rotate this to keep it fair.”
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9/ Advocate for Women in Leadership
↳ Ask: “Are we considering a diverse range of candidates?”
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10/ Ask How You Can Help
↳ Instead of assuming, ask: “What would meaningful support look like for you?”
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11/ Make Room at the Table
↳ Notice who speaks the least and invite them in.
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12/ Commit Daily
↳ Set a reminder: “Have I amplified, advocated, or supported inclusion this month?”

What action would you commit to?

Let’s accelerate change together.

One step, one action, one moment at a time.

Warmly,
Bhavna Toor
Chief Mindfulness Officer
Shenomics