International Women’s Day 2025
Accelerate Action – Women Chiefs of Enterprises’ Roadmap to Real Change
As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, the theme ‘Accelerate Action’ is not just a call to reflect – it is a powerful mandate to move forward, faster and with intention. At WCEI, we recognise that real change happens when bold leadership, strategic collaboration, and unwavering commitment intersect. The time for waiting is over. The time for action is NOW.
WCEI Leaders’ Perspective – Personal Reflections on ‘Accelerate Action’
Taking Ownership of Our Own Success
Liz Ward, WCEI National President, urges women to shift their focus from barriers to breakthroughs. “We must, as individuals, stop talking about what is holding us back and take action on moving forward. Small steps, but continual moves forward every day – without tying ourselves to limiting beliefs or giving other people responsibility for our success.”
This message is clear: empowerment starts within. It’s easy to dwell on obstacles, but transformation comes when we take control of our narrative. Whether it’s speaking up in the boardroom, launching a business, or advocating for change, every step taken is a step forward.
Leadership in a Changing World
Andrea Plawutsky, Immediate Past President of WCEI, highlights the urgency for women to lead amid global uncertainty. “Against a backdrop of intense political and social volatility, to me, ‘Accelerate Action’ is a mandate for women to step up, take the lead, and shape the future NOW. We are ready, we are qualified. In fact, we are more prepared than ever – we hold more tertiary degrees than men, donate more, and lead the way in volunteering. As women chiefs, we must be bold, we must be brave – not just for ourselves, but for a future that uplifts everyone.”
Andrea’s perspective serves as a rallying cry. Women already possess the skills, expertise, and resilience required for leadership. The challenge now is stepping forward, making strategic decisions, and ensuring that our voices are not just heard but heeded.
Leading with Purpose and Collaboration
Christina Chia, WCEI Victorian President, envisions leadership that is deeply intentional. “‘Accelerate Action’ means serving and leading with purpose – where inclusion is no longer a question and women’s leadership is undeniable. Women are not just present; we are powerful, proven, and preferred. Our journey of resilience and strategy has earned us our place, not as participants but as leaders.”
Leadership is no longer about proving worth – it is about leveraging influence to create lasting impact. Christina underscores the importance of collaboration and discernment, reminding us that every step taken with intention strengthens the collective rise of women in leadership.
Women Entrepreneurs: The Architects of Progress
Di Tompson, FCEM Asia Vice-President, highlights the power of women entrepreneurs as change-makers. “There is a saying: If you want something done, ask a busy person. Surely that should read: ‘If you want something done efficiently, progressively, and in a timely fashion, ask a busy woman’ – preferably a female entrepreneur. Proof is in the evidence of the mentoring in the Indian Ocean Islands. It was the only project that got off the ground in three years of IORA discussions because two female entrepreneurs spearheaded and developed the program. We, entrepreneurs collectively, simply roll up our sleeves and get things done.”.
Women entrepreneurs have consistently demonstrated their ability to drive tangible results. Their approach is action-oriented, their mindset solution-driven. This is the kind of leadership needed to accelerate change – not just in business, but in communities, economies, and global initiatives.
Change Starts With You, Action Forms Together
Change doesn’t happen in isolation. It begins with individuals making daily choices to step up, speak out, and drive impact. But when those individuals come together – as WCEI members, as entrepreneurs, as leaders – the momentum becomes unstoppable.
This International Women’s Day, we challenge you to reflect on how you can accelerate action in your own sphere. Whether it’s mentoring another woman, or pushing forward an idea you’ve been holding back on – your action matters. And when you join forces with like-minded women, that action amplifies into real, lasting change.
As part of WCEI’s strategic planning and long-term vision, we intentionally embrace the responsibility to provide the support, network, and platform to make it happen. The question isn’t whether you can make a difference – the question is, are you ready to take action and be part of the solution?
Join us. Lead with us. Let’s accelerate action together.
