International Women’s Day 2025 – Accelerating Action

Introduction

The theme for International Women’s Day this year is #AccelerateAction. Inspired by the theme for B Corp Month this year, we’d like to reflect on how different generations can work together in accelerating action for women’s rights, within our shared space of sustainability work. 

We’ve reached out to women in our professional networks to get some of their thoughts on what they’ve gained from working with different generations of people, and on what they’d like to see for the future. We’re sharing their thoughts below.

What is one thing you feel you have gained from working with a different generation from your own?  

“The younger generation are keen to contribute and willing to share their knowledge around digital technology. Without their willingness to take me on the digital journey with them, I would certainly not be as advanced or exposed to so many ways that can help me do my job better.” – Leigh Dempsey, George Leslie Ltd

“I have learned a lot from working with different generations.  Older generations bring knowledge and wisdom and help younger generations work out difficult issues that they haven’t come across before.  Younger generations bring a different perspective and innovative ways to work.” – Jane Oliver, J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

“Perspective and knowledge.  Working with different generations, you can gain different viewpoints on each scenario/project, meaning the outcomes are well researched and robust.” – Lynsey Mackenzie, J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

“In my 50’s, after many years in the corporate world, I was part of a team comprised of a group of young people in their 20’s and myself.  I learned more from them during that time about collaborative team work than at any other time in my life and I am working to those principles and more open to new ideas about how people can work together.” – Pamela Candea, The Surefoot Effect

What change would you like to see for the future in how different generations work together for women’s rights and women’s involvement in sustainability?

“I would like to see more men of all generations get involved with women’s rights and sustainability.  We need strong male advocates from all generations to bring women’s issues to the forefront of decision makers’ consciousness and integrate them into every day conversations.” – Jane Oliver, J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

“Collaboration.  Not just amongst women, but involving men and those of all generations – to recognise the steps we can all do to raise awareness to reduce bias, remove barriers and support women .  Sharing knowledge and encouragement with others is key.” – Lynsey Mackenzie, J. Smart & Co. (Contractors) PLC

“Diversity in the workplace becomes the norm, not because it’s enforced, but because it’s recognised it creates the strongest team. We all bring something different and need to work together to achieve a sustainable future. Alone we can achieve a little, but together we can achieve a lot.” – Leigh Dempsey, George Leslie Ltd

“Now in my 60’s, my observation is that most people younger than me have grown up in an environment where the ideal is that women are seen as equals, even if it doesn’t always translate in practice – still.  I would love to see people, of all ages, genders, races, backgrounds, and abilities working together toward a sustainable, equitable future.” – Pamela Candea, The Surefoot Effect

Collaboration and Inclusivity

Across both questions, the core themes of collaboration and learning from our differences have consistently emerged. We can learn from each other’s practical work experience, our approach to work, and our engagement with new tools. 

In terms of vision for the future, there’s a strong need for a more inclusive way forward that includes lived experiences of different generations, of disability, race, and other intersectional experiences that shape the way we navigate the world. 

There is also a clear call for allies to co-lead the progress for women’s rights and women’s inclusion in the sustainability sector, raise the topic in spaces women may not otherwise have a voice in, and bolster the call to decision-makers to support a more inclusive and equitable future.

A strong message from the shared views is the role of men in helping accelerate action through allyship with women across generations, whether in the home, workplace, or our communities. Men need to defend the space women need to express their thoughts when collaborating, explicitly acknowledge their valuable contribution in solving problems, give hope to the younger generation that we are equals, and be role models for inclusivity. 

With the recent renaissance of the strongman, the everyday man’s allyship is critical to empowering women to be leaders and essential that we have the whole of humanity around the table to co-design our response to the pressing challenges we face. 

Moving Forward 

What are some practical actions we can take now? It may seem overwhelming to tackle the changes we’d like to see, but it all starts with being more mindful of how we engage in conversations and with each other.

  • Create space to listen to women, and amplify their voices – especially women from different generations from you that may otherwise not be given the room to speak.
  • Being an ally is not being a hero, it’s backing up women in the room. This might look like ensuring the contributions of other women are visible, or asking follow-up questions to ensure different perspectives are given the space to be shared.
  • Be kind to ourselves, as with any transition, we will trip up and there are resources to help – we’re sharing some below

Resources

To end off with, we’d like to share a couple of resources on the topic that we’ve found valuable.