IWD 2025: What real empowerment looks like

Campaign ME

07-03-2025

International Women's Day means different things to different people. Some see it as a celebration of progress, while others use it as a call to action. For me, it is a reminder that opportunity should be based on merit, not gender. It's a reflection of the hard work that the women in my network have put in to get to where they are, and I celebrate that.
I did not earn my position because I am a woman. The other women on our team did not either. We are here because we worked hard, built our expertise and delivered results. That is what real empowerment looks like. Being valued for your skills, not for filling a diversity quota.
Championing women for their achievements, not their identity
I am proud of the women I work with. I am even prouder of the women who have mentored me. Every one of them has a story of struggle and resilience. They have faced challenges, pushed through setbacks and proved themselves through grit, determination and hard work.
These are the women who deserve to be recognised. Not because they are women, but because they have earned their place at the top of their industries. They have broken barriers, not by demanding special treatment, but by showing up every day and delivering results.
Diversity without merit is a step backwards
There is growing pressure in many industries to hire for diversity first and ability second. That is not how strong teams are built. When companies focus on meeting quotas rather than finding the best talent, they lower standards and weaken their teams. Worse, they send the wrong message. They suggest that women need help to succeed rather than the opportunity to prove themselves.
Hiring or promoting someone just because of their gender is not progress. It undermines women by creating doubt about whether they truly earned their place. It also disrespects the men and women who have worked their way up based on ability.
We believe in diversity of thought (neurodiversity). Success comes from bringing together people with different perspectives, backgrounds and skills. But that only works when every person is chosen because they are the best for the job. Excellence, not quotas, should be the driving force behind any team.
Real equality means equal standards
True equality does not mean giving women special treatment. It means ensuring everyone has the same chance to prove themselves. That means removing barriers without lowering expectations. It means recognising leadership, skill and hard work without tokenism.
At Platformance, we see the impact of this approach every day. The women in our leadership team are not here to meet a requirement. They are here because they deserve to be. They lead, strategise and deliver results. Not because they are women, but because they are exceptional at what they do.
IWD should be about achievement, not symbolism
International Women's Day should not be about forced representation. It should be about celebrating those who have earned their place through skill, determination and leadership. It should be a reminder that real empowerment comes from opportunity, not handouts.
So this year, let us shift the conversation. Let us champion excellence instead of quotas. Let us celebrate the women who have earned their place at the table through talent and perseverance. And let us create workplaces where the best rise to the top. Not because of their gender, but because of their ability.
That is what real progress looks like.
By Rawan Hussein, Growth Director at Platformance.