As a child in the 1990s, I saw real progress in the world when it came to how women are seen and treated, which I thought was so positive. But as I got older, I understood that others may have a different story. To mark International Women’s Month in March, I wanted to share some stories from the women I work with at Link Digital.
Before I share the stories of my female colleagues, let’s have a look at some of the interesting real-world facts from open data sites worldwide:
- A March 2024 UNESCO fact sheet shows investment in girls’ education has generated huge dividends over the past two decades. Women’s enrolment in higher education has risen dramatically. Globally, about 114 women are enrolled in tertiary education for every 100 men.
- A United Nations observance notes that women are paid less than men, with the gender pay gap estimated at 20% globally.
- In the EU, the gender pay gap statistic reported that no country has fully eliminated the gender pay gap, the size of which varies across economies. For instance, the gender pay gap in the European Union averages about 12%; in other words, women’s hourly pay is 12% lower than men’s.
- World Health Organization (WHO) report says that 1 in 3 women worldwide (30%) have been subjected to physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime.
Now let’s hear the stories from the lenses of women from all over the world who work at Link Digital, and why they think International Women’s Month is not just a celebration but a movement.
Through the lenses of these modern women: International Women’s Month 2025
Real change starts with small, consistent actions, by Natalia Shemechko and Karina Arro
Karina Arro, Process Coordinator, The Philippines
As a woman who’s experienced both the struggles and triumphs of a world still full of barriers for women, whether in my career or in my personal life, I’ve come to realise that real change starts with the small, everyday actions.
For me, it’s in the quiet moments, offering a listening ear to a friend in need, speaking up when I see a woman’s voice being ignored, or making sure every woman knows they are capable of achieving anything they set their minds to. I’ve learnt that ending discrimination isn’t about grand gestures but about how we show up for the women around us in the most ordinary yet meaningful ways. It’s in our choices, our conversations, and the example we set every day.
No matter how small, every action can inspire change. And if we keep showing up for each other, we’ll build a world where women are empowered to rise together.
Natalia Shemechko, Quality Assurance Analyst, Ukraine
My call to action is simple: listen, support, and advocate.
- Listen to women’s experiences without judgement. Understanding is the first step toward change.
- Support women in your life—at work, at home, and in your community—by recognising their contributions and ensuring they have equal opportunities.
- Advocate when you see injustice. Speak up against gender stereotypes, challenge unfair treatment, and encourage inclusivity in every space.
If we all take responsibility for these small yet impactful actions, we accelerate progress toward a more equal world.
Strong and independent women in her life, by Suk Tanganco
Human Resources Manager, The Philippines
The women around me are strong, and their strength empowers me to stand up for my own rights. Their resilience inspires me to call out discrimination wherever I see it and to support other women by raising awareness and fostering change.
Ending discrimination requires collective effort. By amplifying women’s voices, advocating for fairness, and challenging biases, we can create an environment where every woman has the opportunity to thrive.
Facing barriers and biases through empathy, by Anastasiia Shevtsova
UX Designer, Ukraine
When I face barriers and biases in both personal and professional spheres, I take them as opportunities to unlock a strength—a superpower that helps me overcome. For me, that strength is empathy. Women are naturally empathetic. It’s a force we’ve carried through generations, shaping families, communities, and industries. Yet, this very strength is often undervalued, dismissed as secondary to logic or strategy.
As a designer, I see how empathy shapes not just interactions but entire experiences. In design, empathy is the foundation of innovation and the first step in the design thinking process. Now it is often overlooked, considered less critical than functionality. But what if we recognised empathy as not a soft skill but as a driving force for change? What if we designed not just for usability, but for true understanding?
Just as empathy enhances experiences in great designs, it enhances the way we shape society. It transforms how we lead, how we create, and how we shape a future that is more inclusive, thoughtful, and innovative.
Recognitions and creating space for women, by Jean Tero
WordPress Consultant, The Philippines
In a field where most people expect men to lead, I’ve faced my own share of being overlooked or not taken seriously.
As a graduate of IT, I often find myself in situations where people don’t listen to me as much as they do my male colleagues. But I’ve made sure to excel at my work, and in doing so, I’ve gained the knowledge, experience, and respect I deserve.
It hasn’t always been easy, but by pushing through and proving myself, I’ve shown that women can excel in these fields just as much as men. I believe it’s important to raise awareness about the challenges women face but also to highlight our achievements and contributions. When I share my story or hear others’ stories, it reminds me that we have the strength and ability to succeed, no matter the obstacles.
By talking about both the struggles and successes, I hope to inspire other women in similar positions to keep pushing forward, even when it feels like they’re not being heard. Everyone deserves to be recognised for their hard work, and by supporting one another, we can create a space where more women feel empowered to succeed in male-dominated industries like IT and digital marketing.
Small actions matter: a call to end discrimination against women, by Iryna Babenko
Project Manager, Finland
In today’s world, we often say that men and women are equal. Yet, deep-seated biases still shape our expectations, opportunities, and treatment.. While men and women are different in many ways, these differences should never justify discrimination.
One glaring issue is how leadership styles are judged. A man who is firm and direct is seen as strong, while a woman displaying the same qualities is often labelled as “too emotional” or “too difficult.” It needs to change. Instead of policing women’s behaviour, Why not encourage workplaces to create a more empathetic and balanced leadership for everyone?
Supporting women is not just about women; it benefits any gender. Unfortunately, in many places, women are still denied opportunities simply because they are mothers, while fathers face no such scrutiny. In my perspective, this is an unfair double standard that needs to end.
Lastly, we must move beyond outdated ideas of “men’s jobs” and “women’s jobs”. A woman can be a firefighter or a mechanical engineer, just as a man can be a nurse or a florist. True equality means giving everyone the freedom to follow their passions without societal judgement.
How can we make a difference in ending discrimination? Small actions matter:
- Encourage children to explore interests freely, without labelling activities as “for boys” or “for girls.”
- Call out sexist remarks or behaviours in conversations, workplaces, and social settings.
- Change starts with everyday discussions.
- Educate yourself about gender discrimination and how it affects both men and women. Awareness is the first step toward change.
- Support equal parenting roles by encouraging men to take paternity leave and be active carers. When caregiving is shared, opportunities for women grow.
Ending gender discrimination doesn’t require grand gestures, just everyday choices that promote fairness and respect. Together, through small but meaningful actions, we can build a world where gender is never a barrier to success.
Listen, act and be part of change
I enjoyed reading these points of view. They highlight personal experiences that I thought I was just being too sensitive about and thought were the norm but, in reality, others experience too. They also gave me a wider view of some social issues that I was not aware of because I live in a different part of the world with an entirely different culture.
Ending the International Women’s Month with this article doesn’t mean that it’s just a once-a-year movement. I want to end this article with these simple words: Listen, act and be part of change.
