Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Women Leaders Making a Difference

International Women’s Day on 8th March is a moment to celebrate progress, and this year’s theme – Accelerate Action – reminds us that real change requires more than conversation. Women around the world continue to break barriers, leading in industries and organisations where they have historically been underrepresented. Their stories inspire action and highlight the importance of supporting more women into leadership roles.

Women Leading the Way

• Vanessa Kingori: As Google’s Managing Director of Technology, Media, and Telecoms, Vanessa Kingori brings a fresh perspective to the company’s business and cultural shifts for the AI era. She has a track record of “firsts” throughout her career, including being British Vogue’s first female Publishing Director in over 100 years and Condé Nast Britain’s first Black Publisher.
• Yvonne Thompson: A pioneering British business leader, Yvonne Thompson founded the European Federation of Black Women Business Owners and was a founding member of Choice FM, the UK’s first Black music radio station. She has been a trailblazer in promoting diversity and gender equality in the workplace.
• Nneka Abulokwe: Nneka Abulokwe is a British Nigerian tech entrepreneur and one of the first Afro-Caribbean professionals in the UK to serve on the board of a leading European digital transformation organisation. She is the founder and CEO of MicroMax Consulting and was honored by Queen Elizabeth II as an Officer of the British Empire (OBE) for services to business.

What This Shows Us

The achievements of these women demonstrate that progress is possible, but it also highlights the need for continued action. While individual success stories inspire hope, systemic barriers still prevent many talented women from reaching leadership roles. True change requires organisations to actively support diversity through inclusive policies, mentorship programmes, and leadership development initiatives. Only by accelerating action can we ensure that the next generation of women leaders has the opportunity to thrive.

The Current Landscape

Despite these successes, women remain underrepresented in leadership positions:

• Global Representation: Women hold 31% of senior management roles globally, a slight increase from previous years, indicating progress toward gender parity, though there is still room for improvement.
• Fortune 500 CEOs: Female CEOs at Fortune 500 companies reached a record 10.6% in 2023, while women now comprise 29% of C-suite positions.

How We Can Accelerate Change

• Creating Spaces for Women to Thrive: Inclusive workplaces and leadership programmes help level the playing field.
• Developing Leadership Skills and Confidence: Women need access to training, mentorship, and career coaching to step into top roles.
• Building Stronger Networks: Connection and support from other women in leadership are key to breaking the glass ceiling.

At Netwomen, we believe in action, not just words. Our 12-Month Career Accelerator Programme provides women with the skills, mentorship, and support they need to advance in their careers and become the leaders of tomorrow.

Join our Career Accelerator today.

This International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the women breaking barriers—and take action to ensure even more follow in their footsteps. The time for change is now.