From cybersecurity to cocoa farming and films to aviation safety, we asked 15 women in varied professions and businesses about what they think about International Women’s Day and what they hope for.
These achievers come from varied fields and experiences across four countries and two continents, underscoring the range of sectors and industries where women play a vital role.
Here is what they told THE WEEK:
Gayathri, cocoa farmer
1. In agriculture, women’s roles like planting are undervalued compared to men’s physically demanding tasks like chopping timber and operating JCBs, leading to a significant wage gap. I envision a future where women’s work is equally recognised and valued.
Gayathri Dinesh
Cocoa farmer and chocolate maker
Agriculture and Farming
Chittarikkal, India
2. When we think about International Women’s Day (IWD) and women’s rights, we need to continue to recognise the difference between equality and equity. Giving everyone the same treatment means little if the starting line isn’t the same. Equality plants the same seeds in every soil, but equity nurtures each one differently—because not all ground is equally fertile. We need to recognise that sameness does not equate to fairness. IWD isn’t just about celebrating achievements—it’s also about demanding structural change through equity-focused initiatives that allow all women to participate and benefit. Equity-focused initiatives take into account that not every woman has the same level of access to education, healthcare or leadership.
Tahmara Thomas
CEO of HerVillage Foundation
Women Empowerment
Sydney, Australia
3. In India, stay-at-home wives need more recognition for the unpaid household work they do for their entire lives. And, more respect is due for women in politics, without people trying to belittle them or character-assassinate them.
Kshipra Pareek
Research Scholar at National Institute of Technology (NIT) Jaipur
Academia
Jaipur, India
4. [I] look forward to keeping the “superwoman crown” down, and being my feminine human self with desires, needs, wants and expectations just like anyone else. Freedom to be my authentic self and nurture the little girl in me who knew exactly what she wanted right from the beginning.
Kaveri Gopakumar
Senior Tech Marketeer
Cybersecurity and Big Data
Bengaluru, India
Parvathy, aviation safety data analyst
5. I hope to see women of colour finally treated as equals. In a country like New Zealand, the hot topic is pay parity, but the issue of colour is rarely addressed. Despite having the same qualifications, skills, and capabilities, the colour of your skin and your accent remain barriers. It’s time for society to stop requiring women of colour to “bleach” their identities to fit in and start valuing them for who they truly are.
Parvathy Nair
Airport Safety Data Analyst
Aviation
Auckland, New Zealand
6. To not celebrate a single Women's DAY—giving us a rose and wishing us is meaningless. Instead, ensure every day that we don't feel unsafe, have equal rights, and aren't morally policed to death.
Vaishnavi Prasad
Head of Marketing at Mango Hill Hotels
Hospitality and Tourism
Chennai, India
Urmi, India Programs Manager at Seeds of Peace
7. This Women's Day (onward), I want more time to pause and live intentionally instead of the incessant hustling that is often required of women juggling homes, careers, and children. I want this luxury of time not just for me, but for all the women I know, and those I don't. What I really wish for is deep rest and respite for women around the world; and special prayers for the mothers of Palestine and Ukraine.
Urmi Chanda
India Programs Manager at Seeds of Peace
NGOs and Social Responsibility
Mumbai, India
8. Women’s achievements are often dismissed or undermined, while the challenges we face are overlooked. True change will only happen when every day—not just one—is about breaking biases and ensuring real equality.
Rifana Rafeeque
Entrepreneur and consultant
Business
Jakarta, Indonesia
9. As a woman, I look forward to continued progress in areas like workplace fairness and healthcare. I wish to see women's rights treated as human rights, with equality and respect in all aspects of life.
Rithu Krishnan
Business Analyst at UST Global
IT Services
India
10. I hope for more people to understand that unlike men, whose bodies follow a 24-hour cycle, the average woman operates on a 28-day cycle. A woman's peak performance happens when her work and lifestyle align with this natural rhythm. We are not linear beings—we are cyclical by nature.
Savithry Namboodiripad
Artist and musician
Entertainment and Arts
Kochi, India
11. Acknowledge, appreciate and let’s not take it for granted anymore! Instead, let’s commit to uplifting and supporting the women around us and foster an environment where every woman feels valued, empowered, and recognized for her unique strengths and achievements.
Claire C John
Actor and social entrepreneur
Entertainment and Arts
Kochi, India
Claire is an actor and social entrepreneur
12. I hope for a world where women are treated with dignity and respect and have the freedom to make their own choices. I look forward to a future where equality is a reality, and women are empowered to reach their full potential.
Devikrishna J. G.
Assistant Professor at Saraswathi College of Arts and Science
Higher Education
Thiruvananthapuram, India
13. I’m not sure if I even believe in Women’s Day anymore. But I hope to see more participation of each member of the family (kids or spouse or partner) to make the lives of their women a little bit easier. To not make them feel drained at the end of each day. And to not have to repeat things that need to be done every time.
Nayana Premnath
Sustainability Content Creator
Social Media and Content
Bengaluru, India
14. As a woman I hope to see more women in leadership roles, shaping policies that promote equity and inclusion. I look forward to a future where women’s rights are universally upheld and where gender is no longer a barrier to opportunity.
Nanda S Mohan
Student Counsellor at Kendriya Vidyalaya
Mental Health and Education
India
15. There's still a long way to go in achieving true equity, so I hope to see more people acknowledge and help dismantle the barriers that have silenced and separated marginalised communities.
Dr Nayna Joseph
Doctor, Healthcare
India
