International Women's Day: more work required on gender diversity

Three ladies with the one holding up a sign saying "International women's day". Artwork generated by Dream by WOMBO.

International Women's Day on March 8 is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to accelerate women's equality. 

New research* released for the day has shown that gender equality remains a key societal issue, with women’s rights under threat due to workplace inequalities and online abuse. The annual study, released by HeForShe, The United Nations Global Solidarity Movement for Gender Equality, and global marketing agency TEAM LEWIS, revealed that public awareness of gender inequality has increased, but geopolitical issues overshadow the issue:

- Over 75% believe companies still need to implement policies for women in the workplace.

- One third of women (32%) have reconsidered their employment due to their company’s in-office policy. Of those, 45% say the reason for reconsidering is inflexibility at work. 

- Only 17% of women received a pay rise in the last year, compared to 24% of men. 

- In leadership, women continue to be under-represented. The percentage of women in senior management roles declined to 53% this year, vs 56% in 2023 and 2024.

"Rights, equality and empowerment remain vital to global prosperity. We cannot afford to sit on the sidelines. Equality is everyone’s responsibility. 2025 is the year for men and boys to stand alongside women and girls to help make change happen.” said Vesna Jaric, Global Head of HeForShe, UN Women.

The benefits of gender diversity were championed by industry observers.

Lim Hsin Yin, VP of Sales for ASEAN, Cohesity, has contributed to the community through mentoring initiatives, including as Chairwoman of the SGTech AI Skills and Training Committee and in industry councils. She observed: "International Women’s Day is a moment to celebrate the progress we’ve made in fostering gender diversity and to reflect on the work still ahead. With over 30 years in the tech industry, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of diverse perspectives." 

Stephanie Barnett, VP of Presales for the Asia-Pacific and Japan (APJ), Okta said: "On International Women’s Day, when I reflect on what it means to be a woman in tech I feel both inspired by how far things have come, and feel energised and compelled to do so much more. While progress has been made, sectors like presales, security, and identity still reveal a significant gender gap that has persisted for decades and will continue until we radically and aggressively change and solve for the biases that exist across education, recruitment and workforce inequity.

"Mentorship has had a transformative impact on my career. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors, both men and women, who have offered guidance that goes beyond advice, helping me navigate difficult situations and complex challenges. I feel deeply accountable to pay forward the privilege that I have had in having phenomenal cheerleaders sitting in my blindspots helping me course correct, deeply reflect and charge forward with perspective and support.

"Personally, I believe that fostering diversity in an organisation is not just a checkbox activity and it takes work, takes focus, takes commitment and it may lead to discomfort and potential change management that will be initially uncomfortable, but future and long term looking will significantly accelerate revenue and positive business business results."

Said Remus Lim, Senior VP, Asia Pacific & Japan, Cloudera:  "As we celebrate International Women’s Day, this year’s theme, #AccelerateAction, serves as a call to move beyond conversation and drive real, measurable progress. At Cloudera, we know that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) isn’t achieved in a single day—it’s a continuous effort that requires commitment, accountability, and the courage to challenge the status quo.

"Creating a truly inclusive workplace isn’t just about policies or programmes—it’s about recognising the talent, ambition, and potential that too often go unseen. Business leaders have a responsibility to not only open doors but to actively support and uplift those who may have been overlooked by traditional hiring and promotion practices."

"I’ve seen firsthand how potential-based hiring and mentorship can change careers—and lives. During the period when I was mentoring a colleague, I realised the importance of approaching issues from different angles when charting out new communication pathways between my mentee and other members of the leadership team. This allowed her to see her ideas to fruition while the organisation benefits from fresh perspectives across functions and levels," added Lim from Cloudera. 

"When we focus on who someone can become, rather than just what they’ve done in the past, we create pathways for talent that may not have had the same access or opportunities. When we do this, our teams grow stronger, our innovation becomes richer, and our workplaces become places where everyone has the chance to thrive."

Verena Siow, President and MD, SAP Southeast Asia, shared that this year's theme for International Women’s Day, Accelerate Action, deeply resonated with her. "To me, this theme reinforces the notion that we must take urgent and proactive actions to drive gender equity and parity. It also aligns with one of my personal mantras: Accelerate to Innovate. Just as businesses must embrace bold, decisive action to drive meaningful innovation, we must do the same to advance gender equity," she said.

"Change is often perceived as a gradual process. But while it is true that change does not take place overnight, every little step we take in accelerating action unlocks new possibilities. In Southeast Asia, I’ve seen firsthand how equipping women with the right skills, access, and support can create extraordinary outcomes."

"Yet, barriers remain. Systemic biases still slow progress, from unequal access to leadership opportunities to deeply ingrained stereotypes. The World Economic Forum estimates that at the current pace, full gender parity will not be achieved for another 134 years — a timeline we cannot accept." 

"Innovation does not happen by waiting. It happens by taking action, challenging norms, and accelerating change. Just as we push the boundaries of technology, we must do the same for equity, opportunity, and leadership. The reality is clear: diversity drives better decisions, stronger businesses, and more resilient economies. The question is no longer “why” we need to act, but how much quicker we can make change happen," Siow concluded.

"The broader challenge of gender equality remains stark. According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2024, achieving full gender parity will take 134 years—roughly five generations—at the current pace of progress. We cannot afford to wait. Governments, businesses, academia, and industry bodies must work together to ensure gender equality is not just a long-term aspiration but an urgent economic and innovation priority," agreed Jess Ng, Country Head, Singapore and Brunei, Fortinet.  

Some comments focused on how change can happen in a technology context.

AI

The HeforShe research showed growing anxiety around gender bias in AI. Only 28% of people were aware of AI's gender bias. After learning about it, over half (51%) expressed concern. Furthermore, 66% believe governments should introduce regulations to ensure AI is free from gender bias.

"Technology is shaping our world at an unprecedented pace, and the responsibility to ensure that it serves everyone fairly rests on all of us. Without diverse voices in the room, we risk building AI systems that reflect only skewed perspectives without the proper context," said Lim from Cloudera.

"Women or under-represented groups in AI, data, and analytics are not just contributors—they are essential architects of a future that is fairer, more ethical, and more inclusive. However right now, there simply isn’t enough representation of them in these spaces. When the teams building our technology don’t reflect the world we live in, we reinforce existing inequalities instead of breaking them down." 

Preethi Bridgement, Senior Director, Solutions Engineering - APAC & MEA, Freshworks, highlighted the significance of gender diversity when it comes to AI adoption in businesses. She noted that AI is only as powerful as the people who build and use it. "At Freshworks, we focus on a people-first AI approach—one that enhances customer service teams rather than replacing them. As a woman in tech, diverse perspectives are key to shaping AI that is intuitive, inclusive, and impactful," she said. 

"By fostering mentorship and opportunities, we can ensure technology serves everyone equitably and drives meaningful innovation. Creating space for different voices in AI and tech will help shape a future where technology truly works for all people."

Cybersecurity

Joanne Wong, CMO, Exabeam said: "Technology thrives on innovation, but true innovation is only possible when diverse perspectives are included at every level. While companies have made strides in diversity, cybersecurity remains one of the least gender-diverse sectors.

"To accelerate progress, we must move beyond pledges and take measurable steps such as increasing women in leadership, conducting pay equity audits, and designing hiring strategies that minimise bias. Women in cybersecurity can drive change by building mentorship networks, advocating for inclusive policies, and supporting each other's career advancement. Sustained progress requires clear metrics, continuous learning, and leadership commitment."

"When gender equity becomes an integrated priority rather than a checkbox, it fuels not only diversity but also the long-term success of the technology industry," Wong concluded.

Ng from Fortinet said that this year's theme of Accelerate Action is a "timely call to drive meaningful progress toward gender diversity in cybersecurity". "While digitalisation continues to transform industries, women remain underrepresented in this critical field, making up just 24% of the workforce. Addressing this imbalance is not just about diversity—it is a strategic necessity. Closing the gender gap expands the talent pipeline, strengthens cybersecurity resilience, and fosters innovation," she said.

Fortinet's Ng spoke about gender equity from a talent crunch perspective. "Cybersecurity, like many sectors, faces a persistent skills shortage. Expanding opportunities for women is a critical lever in addressing this challenge, as diverse teams consistently drive better decision-making, stronger security outcomes, and a more innovative approach to tackling cyberthreats," Ng noted. 

Taking action

Ng said progress requires more than just intent—it demands action. "To accelerate change, organisations must invest in structured training, mentorship, and leadership pathways that enable women to thrive in both technical and non-technical roles. Initiatives such as the SG Cyber Women Programme and Ladies in Cyber have been instrumental in building a strong foundation for women in cybersecurity. But sustained progress requires a collective commitment across the public and private sectors to create an ecosystem where women not only enter the field but rise into leadership roles where they can shape the future of cybersecurity," she said.

"Empowering women in cybersecurity is not just about inclusion; it is about securing our digital future. We must create environments where talent and expertise define success—not gender. Decisive leadership, investment in talent, and a commitment to inclusion must be at the core of every organisation’s strategy," Ng concluded.

Siow also touched on mentorship and leadership as solutions. To truly accelerate progress, three actions are critical, she said:

- Sponsorship over mentorship. Women need not just mentorship but advocates—leaders who actively open doors, champion careers, and create opportunities.

- Equal access to leadership tracks. High-impact projects and decision-making roles must be accessible to women at all levels, ensuring a stronger pipeline for future leadership.

- A redefinition of leadership. Success is not just about traditional leadership traits like aggressiveness; it’s about diverse perspectives, emotional intelligence, and inclusivity. Organisations that embrace this perform better and retain top talent.

Industry observers further shared initiatives in play.

Cloudera

"At Cloudera, we recognise that transparency and accountability are essential to real progress. While we are proud of the strides we’ve made—including the fact that women hold approximately ⅓ of leadership roles in APAC—there’s still work to be done, particularly in ensuring greater representation across all areas of leadership. Acknowledging where we fall short is just as important as celebrating progress because it pushes us to do better," said Remus Lim.

"Equity isn’t a one-time goal—it’s an ongoing effort. We must actively challenge biases, champion diverse voices, and create opportunities such as the Women Leaders in Technology Initiative and Cloudera Sponsorship Program that accelerate real change. Progress happens when leaders commit to not just talking about inclusion but embedding it into every decision we make," he added.

"This International Women’s Day, let’s not just reflect—let’s #AccelerateAction."

Cohesity

Lim said: "At Cohesity, we recognise that diversity fuels innovation, and through initiatives like the Women’s Impact Network, we are creating an environment where women can thrive, grow, and lead. Empowered with the right opportunities and a supportive network, I hope the next generation of female leaders are inspired to push forward and scale new frontiers."

Epicor

Lorraine Wee, Country Manager, Singapore and Philippines, Epicor said: "Initiatives like SG Women in Tech and the SG100 Women in Tech List in Singapore are pivotal in fostering talent in our industry. At Epicor, we recognise the importance of empowering women in manufacturing and technology through various initiatives like our Voice of the Essential Manufacturing Worker reports, which provide a platform to share their challenges and success stories, ensuring their voices are part of the broader narrative.

"Additionally, our mentorship programmes support career growth through formal pairing with experienced mentors, role-based learning, and continuous development opportunities. Embracing diversity and inclusion is crucial for driving innovation and progress in the tech sector. At Epicor, we are committed to fostering an environment where everyone can thrive and make significant contributions to the industry." 

ESET

The global cybersecurity provider has launched the 2025 ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship in Singapore. This initiative aims to support and empower aspiring female professionals in cybersecurity and STEM**, providing them with opportunities to advance their education and careers in the industry.

The recipient will receive a S$5,000 financial grant and will be offered a one-day attachment at ESET’s Singapore office to gain firsthand insights into the operations of a leading cybersecurity company.

While the STEM sector continues to grow, cybersecurity remains a male-dominated field, with women representing only 26.2% of professionals in Singapore. Fostering diverse perspectives is crucial to ensuring cybersecurity remains, at an age where transformative technologies like generative AI are geared to reshape the industry, the company said.

"As cyberthreats continue to evolve, diversity is essential for driving innovation. At ESET, we believe empowering women in cybersecurity is key to shaping the future of the industry. By investing in these future leaders, we are strengthening global cybersecurity and contributing to a safer digital world," said Parvinder Walia, President of Asia Pacific and Japan at ESET.

Since its launch in 2016, the ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship has supported 28 women worldwide in pursuing careers in technology. Now expanding to Singapore and India in 2025, alongside the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK, the initiative continues to build a more inclusive and diverse cybersecurity workforce globally.

SAP

"At SAP, our commitment to inclusion goes beyond policies; it’s about empowering women to lead, innovate, and shape the future. Nearly 50% of our workforce in Southeast Asia is female, and 43.3% of leadership roles are held by women. As of January 2025, 50% of our country managing directors in Southeast Asia are women, and my goal is to also achieve 50% of women in leadership roles so that more women have a seat at the table when it comes to decision making. These figures reflect what’s possible when diversity is prioritised, not just discussed," Siow elaborated. 

According to the HeForShe research, women are not sitting still. They want men to advocate for equal leadership opportunities (39%) and challenge gender-based discrimination (39%) in the workplace. The research also revealed that men are prepared to step up, saying they feel most comfortable advocating for equal pay (41%) and calling out discrimination (37%). 

"Women in tech are actively shaping the future of innovation especially with the growth of AI whereby it is inherently inclusive. It is a space where merit and results speak louder than gender. In my experience, this shift has helped bridge gender gaps. The share of women in technology in Southeast Asia is now at 34% to 40% as compared to the past," observed Sujatha S Iyer, head of AI security, ManageEngine, Zoho Corp. 

"To the young women entering the field: stay curious, seek mentorship, step up and speak out. There is ample room for everyone, and women’s voices are essential to shaping the future of technology. As we celebrate the progress made this International Women's Day, let’s continue fostering an environment where women’s voices are heard, valued, and encouraged. The contributions of women in AI and tech are already shaping the future, and with ongoing support, the possibilities are limitless."

Explore

Download the HeForShe research at https://www.teamlewis.com/heforshe/ 

Applications for the ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship in Singapore close 25 April 2025. The scholarship is open to Singaporean citizens or permanent residents enrolled in a cybersecurity or STEM programme. Selection will be based on a holistic assessment of academic excellence, leadership, community involvement, and commitment to the field. The winner will be announced in June 2025.

Apply at https://www.eset.com/sg/women-in-cybersecurity-scholarship/

Hashtags: #IWD2025, #AccelerateAction 

*TEAM LEWIS Foundation surveyed the general population aged 18 and above across a balanced and diverse group of ages, races, and gender. A total of 5,003 respondents were polled across 10 countries, including the US, UK, UAE, Australia, China, France, Germany, Netherlands, Singapore, and Spain. Localised translations were provided where necessary. Data was collected through an online survey consisting of 55 questions and fielded from February 5 to 14, 2025.

**STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.