The conversation around women in leadership is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity. The Nordic nations—Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden—are frequently recognised as global leaders in gender equality.
Their success is not coincidental but the result of deliberate policies and cultural shifts that have made gender equality a core societal value. This International Women's Day 2025, businesses must go beyond acknowledgement and take measurable steps to accelerate women's leadership.
What is International Women's Day?
International Women's Day (IWD) has its roots in the early 1900s, originating from labour movements in North America and Europe that fought for better working conditions, fair wages, and women's rights. Over time, the movement grew into a global call for gender equality.
In 1977, the United Nations officially recognised International Women's Day, cementing its place as an annual event to celebrate women's achievements while advocating for their rights and greater inclusion in all aspects of society.
Throughout history, women in leadership have shaped nations, industries, and movements—proving that leadership excellence transcends gender. Queen Elizabeth I, one of England's most influential monarchs, ruled during a time of political and social turmoil. Her ability to unify a divided nation while fostering economic and cultural growth serves as a timeless lesson for businesses today: great leadership is defined by vision, strategy, and adaptability—traits that female leaders bring to modern business.
This is an opportunity for businesses to evaluate where they stand in terms of gender representation and leadership development. More importantly, it is a time to ask:
- Are we truly inclusive at every level of our organisation?
- Do we have leadership teams that reflect the diverse talent in our workforce?
- Are we actively investing in the next generation of female leaders?
Women in Business: A Trend That Is and Should Be Growing
For generations, societal expectations have confined women to roles centred around home and family, limiting their participation in the workforce. Breaking through these deeply ingrained stereotypes has been a long and ongoing battle, yet today, women are founding companies, leading industries, and reshaping the global economy at an unprecedented rate.
Women today have been launching their own businesses at an unprecedented rate. Their impact on the business landscape is undeniable, reinforcing the fact that women not only belong in leadership roles but are instrumental in shaping the future of business.
The Global State of Women in Leadership
Progress in female leadership varies significantly across the world. Some nations are leading the way, while others still struggle with systemic barriers to gender equality in leadership roles. Women Leaders Index assesses nations nations' performance on gender equality across a range of metrics.
- Canada leads the G20 in gender parity in civil service leadership, with women holding 51.1% of senior positions.
- Mexico has made the most significant progress in government leadership roles, with a 24.3% increase in female representation since 2012.
- South Africa has achieved the most significant growth in the last two years, with a 7.2% rise in women's representation.
- Sweden, Italy, and Poland have regressed in gender diversity at the highest levels of business and government.
The UK's Progress: Women in Leadership
The FTSE Women Leaders Review 2025, backed by the UK government and leading corporations like Lloyds Banking Group and KPMG LLP, showcases the progress made in increasing women's representation at senior levels. The key takeaways include:
- 1,275 board roles (43%) are now occupied by women across FTSE 350 companies.
- 6,743 women (35%) are now in leadership roles within these businesses.
- The target of 40% female board representation by the end of 2025 has already been achieved.
The Value of Having Women in Leadership
Women entrepreneurs and business leaders are making a significant impact across various industries. Notably, women are more than twice as likely as men to own businesses in retail and health-related fields, demonstrating their influence in some of the fastest-growing industries.
Here are five key benefits of having women in leadership roles:
1. Diverse Perspectives Drive Innovation
Women bring unique perspectives shaped by different life and work experiences, allowing them to approach problems with fresh ideas and creative solutions. Their ability to challenge traditional ways of thinking and introduce new strategies makes companies more agile and innovative in an increasingly competitive market.
2. Stronger Communication and Collaboration
Women leaders excel in communication, active listening, and conflict resolution, fostering a culture of transparency and teamwork. Their ability to understand and empathise with employees creates an environment where people feel heard, valued, and motivated to contribute.
Empathy is a critical leadership trait that allows women to navigate workplace dynamics effectively, ensuring that teams work together harmoniously. Because they tend to be more attuned to emotional cues and team member concerns, women leaders are often better at resolving conflicts before they escalate, maintaining a productive and positive work environment.
3. Improved Risk Management and Decision-Making
While taking risks is necessary for business growth, reckless decision-making can be costly. Women in leadership tend to be more strategic and calculated in assessing risks, leading to smarter financial and business decisions. Women leaders often take a long-term approach, evaluate risks more carefully, and prioritise long-term stability over short-term gains.
4. Increased Employee Satisfaction and Retention
Women in leadership help create workplace cultures that prioritise work-life balance, team member well-being, and professional growth. Their leadership style tends to be more inclusive and people-oriented, fostering an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated to perform at their best. This leads to higher job satisfaction, reduced turnover, and improved productivity across teams.
5. Better Financial Performance
Women play a crucial role in shaping customer markets, as they drive a significant portion of purchasing decisions. Having more women in leadership positions allows businesses to gain deeper insights into women's buying habits, behaviours, and motivations, enabling them to develop products and marketing strategies that better resonate with female customers. This understanding can lead to higher sales, increased brand loyalty, and improved overall company performance.
Conclusion
International Women's Day 2025 is a powerful reminder that businesses must move beyond awareness and take action. The progress highlighted in the FTSE Women Leaders Review 2025 is encouraging, but businesses must continue to push forward to break barriers at the highest levels.
At gigCMO, we believe in the value of women leaders—not just in principle, but in practice. Many of the businesses we support are led by women, and we see firsthand the unique perspectives, strategic insights, and leadership qualities they bring to the table.
Their ability to drive innovation, build strong teams, and navigate business challenges with resilience is a testament to why gender diversity in leadership is not just beneficial but essential for success. Through our collaborative approach, we aim to empower more women entrepreneurs and business leaders with the tools, expertise, and support they need to thrive.
Take the next step toward building a stronger leadership team. Contact gigCMO today.
