International Women’s Day Celebrations Highlight Female Leadership Worldwide
On March 8, 2025, the world celebrated International Women’s Day (IWD) with a series of impactful events aimed at honoring women’s achievements while also addressing the barriers they face in leadership roles across various sectors. Notable gatherings took place in Dubai, Ghana, and among global corporations like TDK, affirming a shared commitment to advancing women’s rights and leadership.
In Dubai, the “Hand in Hand, Building a Better Community” forum, organized by the Chinese Women’s Federation in UAE and co-organized by Women Leaders of The World, attracted over 300 women leaders from more than 20 countries. The event aimed to harness “Her” strength and promote community development through international exchange.
Qingwei Wu, Chairwoman of the Chinese Women’s Federation, welcomed participants by emphasizing that women are not only drivers of social progress but also integral contributors to community building. “Community development is not limited to any specific group or country, but is a shared responsibility of all,” Wu stated. She encouraged all women to uphold the principles of equality, respect, cooperation, and mutual benefit, injecting innovation and inclusivity into communities.
Her sentiments echoed the initiatives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, President of the UAE, who has declared 2025 as the “Year of Community.” WANG Yi, the Acting Consul General from the Chinese Consulate in Dubai, highlighted the crucial role of women in this mission, urging them to become builders of better communities and ambassadors for cultural exchange.
At the forum, Daniela Baumann, Founder of Women Leaders of the World, reflected on the significance of International Women’s Day during Ramadan, stating, “Women can create change together.” This moment was marked by a symbolic act, where participants formed a heart shape in solidarity for women and girls fighting for their rights.
The event featured several panel discussions on key topics such as Women Cohesion, Women Contribution, and Women Empowerment, showcasing a diverse lineup of speakers including H.H. Shaikha Jawaher bint Khalifa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, who shared valuable insights on female entrepreneurship.
International artists contributed cultural performances that included Chinese calligraphy, paper-cutting, and exhibitions of French and Arabic artistic traditions, fostering a deeper understanding of different cultures.
Meanwhile, the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC), in partnership with the British High Commission, hosted its second International Women’s Day Networking Brunch in Accra on March 14, 2025. Titled “Enhancing Women’s Leadership and Representation in Decision-Making Across Industries,” this event brought together business leaders, executives, and policy makers to discuss actionable strategies for empowering women in leadership roles.
Adjoba Kyiamah, Executive Director of UKGCC, emphasized the importance of uplifting women and breaking down barriers that hinder their progress. “Business challenges do not discriminate based on gender,” she noted, reinforcing the need for initiatives that address issues like access to finance and governmental bureaucracy equally for all business owners.
British High Commissioner Harriet Thompson called for immediate action to eliminate these obstacles. She reminded attendees that while progress has been made, significant challenges remain. “This year’s IWD theme, ‘Accelerate Action,’ is a call to dismantle barriers swiftly,” she said, urging a collective commitment toward gender equality across every industry.
The brunch featured a panel discussion moderated by Thompson, which highlighted practical solutions for women to thrive in leadership. Panellists included Ellen Sarfo Kantanka, Head of Legal at Total Energies Ghana, and others from various sectors, who spoke about the importance of self-belief, mentorship, and advocating for women’s issues.
Over in Japan, TDK Corporation celebrated International Women’s Day with a week-long series of events starting March 3rd, aligning their activities with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal #5, which focuses on gender equality. Noboru Saito, President and CEO of TDK, noted that IWD aligns with TDK’s vision for inclusive leadership and their commitment to diversity.
Various global events included talks on health, career ownership, and addressing unconscious biases in the workplace. “We hope these events will inspire discussions that change how people interact,” said Kayoko Ando from the DE&I Promotion Department in Japan.
In Europe, TDK held a panel discussion where managers shared insights about gender equality and biases in AI, stressing the need for responsible system development. Meanwhile, Greater China organized cultural workshops and health activities as part of their IWD celebrations, promoting women’s vitality in joyful settings.
Finally, TDK Americas engaged in a webinar on evolving gender roles and their impact on leadership, culminating in a leadership panel discussion that addressed challenges and opportunities in fostering gender equality. “We are proud to have taken one more step in our inclusive leadership journey,” said Jon Sebastian, Head of Diversity at TDK.
As these events unfolded worldwide, they reminded us of the ongoing need to elevate women to leadership roles, address systemic barriers, and foster a culture of inclusion. From Dubai to Accra and beyond, the collective efforts have paved the way for the future of women in leadership, demonstrating that together, we can achieve more.
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