International Women's Day 2025 demands more than just recognition; it requires "Accelerated Action" towards gender equality, emphasizes *Dr. Debabrata Dash, Senior HR Professional*. This year's theme highlights the urgent need to address the persistent disparities between men and women globally. While progress has been noted, the current rate of change is insufficient, with projections indicating gender parity may not be achieved until 2158.

*Dr. Dash* points to data from the International Labour Organisation, which reveals that women represent approximately 47% of the global workforce, while men constitute 53%. Women are often concentrated in informal, low-paying sectors with limited job security. Although high-income countries have made strides in narrowing the gender gap, many low and middle-income nations still lag due to cultural norms, limited education access, and economic barriers. Men dominate industries like construction and technology, whereas women are more prevalent in education and healthcare.

Workplace inequality persists, particularly in leadership roles. Women hold only about one-third of senior positions worldwide and less than 30% in STEM fields. In corporate settings, women's representation in executive roles remains low, with only 7% serving as CEOs and 9% as board chairs in global companies.

The global pay disparity is another critical issue. Despite some advancements, women earn less than men for comparable work, with a global gender pay gap of approximately 20%. This gap varies across countries, with developed economies showing smaller gaps (e.g., 16-18% in the US) compared to low and middle-income countries where it can exceed 30-40%. In India, the gender pay gap is estimated to be around 19-20%.

*Dr. Dash* stresses that the need for accelerated action is immediate. Continuing current trends would delay true gender equality for over a century, perpetuating discrimination and inequality. Gender equality is not only a moral imperative but also essential for economic and social stability.

Studies indicate that gender-diverse organizations outperform their counterparts. Empowering women boosts economies and societies. Key areas of focus include closing the gender pay gap through equal pay and addressing occupational segregation. Governments and companies must enforce policies promoting pay transparency. Increased representation of women in decision-making roles is also crucial, requiring policies that foster women's leadership. Economic empowerment through access to financial resources and job training is vital.

*Dr. Dash* advocates for organizational transparency in reporting gender equality progress and encourages individuals to challenge biases and become allies. "Accelerating action is not just a slogan; it is a call for real, tangible change. The time to act is now," he concludes, urging collective efforts to build a more equitable world.