Each year, International Women’s Day reminds us that progress isn’t inevitable—it happens because people choose to push forward. It happens because we make space for difficult conversations, challenge the status quo, and commit to action that creates real change.
In 2025, the call to action is: #AccelerateAction 💪
And when we look at the numbers, we can see why. At the current rate, gender equality won’t be achieved until 2158. That’s five generations from now. Five generations too long.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t have that kind of patience.
The Only Woman at the Table
I’ve been in rooms where I was the only woman at the table, or one of few. I’ve experienced and seen how women in leadership get questioned more, interrupted more, and underestimated more than their male counterparts. And I’ve watched, time and time again, as incredible female leaders get pushed aside while men with half their experience are handed the mic.
And sometimes, don’t even get invited to the event or meeting in the first place.
A few years ago, I spotted a business opportunity which I was genuinely excited about, and hoped to contribute to as a collaborative effort. Then I was told that the key discussions would take place during a “catch-up on the golf course”.
I didn’t play golf. But that wasn’t the problem.
The problem was that I wasn’t invited. Because this was “an opportunity for the guys to catch up.”
This wasn’t 1950. This wasn’t some outdated, Mad Men-style corporate culture. This was a modern business opportunity, in modern Wales. And I was locked out simply for not being one of the boys.
And let’s be real—in a world where leaders like Trump still hold influence, that inequality isn’t just frustrating—it’s dangerous. We’ve seen firsthand what happens when power is concentrated in the hands of those who see the world through a narrow, privileged lens. The consequences aren’t just political; they affect how resources are allocated, how businesses are run, and how opportunities are distributed.
This is exactly why we need more female leaders, more diverse perspectives, and more men—yes, men!—who are brave enough to back us. Because real leadership isn’t about who shouts the loudest, it’s about who listens, who learns, and who makes space for others to lead.
The Loss of the Women’s Equality Party & Chwarae Teg: A Wake-Up Call
The fight for gender equality in the UK took a real hit recently. The Women’s Equality Party (WEP), famously founded by Catherine Mayer and Sandi Toksvig, which I co-founded a branch of, with a group of other passionate women in South Wales, has now dissolved.
For almost a decade, WEP stood as a bold, unapologetic force for gender equality in politics, challenging traditional parties to do better. But as financial pressures grew and the political climate became increasingly polarised, the party was forced to close its doors.
I saw firsthand the incredible work WEP did. I saw how it amplified voices, challenged policies, and gave women across Wales and the UK a political home—one where equality wasn’t an afterthought, but the foundation of every policy.
And I was worried when it was shut down. I worried that without a dedicated political force pushing for equality, our momentum would slow. I think I was right to worry.
Because it’s not just WEP that’s gone. Chwarae Teg, one of Wales’ leading voices for women’s empowerment, has also closed.
For years, Chwarae Teg was a lifeline—for me and for so many other women navigating business, leadership, and entrepreneurship in Wales. As a former service user and partner of the organisation, I saw how they elevated women’s voices, helped shape policy, and fought for the economic empowerment of women across the country.
So what happens when organisations like WEP and Chwarae Teg disappear?
We lose:
🚫 Spaces dedicated to women’s leadership and representation.
🚫 Support networks that help women thrive in male-dominated industries.
🚫 The ability to challenge institutions and policies that hold women back.
This is why we cannot afford to slow down. The fight doesn’t stop just because some of our strongest allies are no longer here. It just means we have to fight harder, move faster, and support each other even more fiercely than before.
The Women Leading Change in Wales
Thankfully, Wales has always been home to women who push boundaries, break barriers, and build legacies.
🔹 Bernie Davies, who has dedicated her career to making Welsh business more inclusive through her work with her Mastering Diversity Conference and Awards.
🔹 Sophie Mason and the rest of the amazing ThinkEDI team, who work tirelessly to change the landscape of entrepreneurship and business leadership in Wales. They are making sure that when we talk about diversity, we’re not just ticking a box—we’re changing systems, policies, and cultures.
🔹 The founders coming through Welsh ICE’s flagship training programme the 5-9 Club, as well as our Growth Accelerator Programme (of which, more than half are female), prove that women-led businesses aren’t just starting and surviving—they’re thriving!
🔹 The social entrepreneurs using business as a tool for community transformation, redefining success beyond profit margins. Again, many of which are women positioned in the hearts of their communities, creating solutions following their lived experiences.
These women, and so many others, are proof that change is still happening, even when the institutions that once supported it have disappeared. But we need more. More funding. More opportunities. More belief in what women can achieve.
Small Actions That Create Big Change
The call to Accelerate Action isn’t just about what governments or corporations can do. It’s about what each of us can do, today, to make an impact.
Here’s how we can all push for progress:
💡 Champion women-led businesses: If you have buying power, use it. Support, invest in, and shout about female founders.
📢 Challenge bias when you see it: Whether it’s in boardrooms, workplaces, or investment panels, don’t let gender bias go unchecked.
🤝 Support the supporters: There are organisations in Wales working hard for gender equality—from grassroots community groups to major networks. Get involved. Donate. Volunteer.
At Welsh ICE, we’re committed to making sure women in business aren’t just supported—they’re amplified, empowered, and funded.
That’s why, this International Women’s Day, we’re not just talking about change. We’re creating space for it.
Join Us: A Networking Event with Purpose
On March 6th, 2025, we’re hosting a networking event at our Caerphilly hub focused on accelerating action together. Come along for empowering conversation and inspirational stories, as well as goal-setting to accelerate your business success with support from Welsh ICE.
Secure your space here 💪
