Every year, International Women’s Day serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made and the work still ahead in achieving true gender equity. This year’s theme, #AccelerateAction, challenges us to move beyond conversation and take real, impactful steps toward change. It’s not just about recognizing barriers but actively breaking them, pushing forward, and creating opportunities for women everywhere.
At Lokafy, we believe in amplifying voices, celebrating resilience, and fostering a culture where action leads to meaningful change. In this piece, incredible women from our community share what #AccelerateAction means to them, the moments when they challenged expectations, and the ways they uplift those around them.
What #AccelerateAction Means to Us
At Lokafy, the women in our team embody #AccelerateAction in unique and powerful ways. To them, it’s more than just a theme; it’s a mindset, a call to push forward, and a refusal to wait for change.
Gwen believes that accelerating action means not waiting for permission to create change. It’s about calling out biases, breaking down barriers, and standing up for ourselves and others—because when we stop pushing forward, progress slows down.
For Riska, it’s about fighting self-doubt and seizing opportunities. "Lots of young people are doubtful about opportunities right in front of them. I used to doubt myself, too, but there’s a first time for everything. #AccelerateAction is about taking that first step and doing the rest to achieve your dreams."
Yosr sees it as a way to challenge norms and take initiative—whether in career, education, or personal growth—to shape a future where women are seen, heard, and valued in every space.
For Chiamaka, it’s about turning everyday challenges into stepping stones for progress. "As a wife, employee, and entrepreneur in Nigeria, I use my strength and love to create meaningful change for myself and those around me."
Malena emphasizes the need to normalize equity in everyday life, ensuring it’s not just an ideal but a reality we actively work toward.
For Modester, as an African woman, #AccelerateAction means setting the pace for inclusivity and taking immediate action to make it happen. "Women are capable of achieving more and should be given equal opportunities, especially in male-dominated fields."
Mary sees it as a way to move beyond conversations and implement real solutions. Whether in leadership, community initiatives, or personal growth, it’s about being proactive and making things happen.
To Rachel, it’s about moving faster, making progress, and setting aside fear and insecurities to focus on the goal.
And finally, Vinita sums it up perfectly: “It’s about not waiting for things to change, but actively making them change.” Progress isn’t just about talk, it’s about speaking up, making tough decisions, and refusing to accept the status quo.
Each of these perspectives reflects a commitment to action, big or small, that moves us closer to equity and inclusion. Because real change starts when we stop waiting and start doing.
Breaking Barriers: Personal Stories of Strength and Determination
Every woman has faced moments where she had to push back against expectations, doubts, or biases.
Challenging Gender Bias in the Workplace
Gwen recalls her experience as the only female manager in an all-male team. "I was told things like, 'Since you’re the only woman here, you need to be on your A-game'—as if my skills and leadership needed extra justification. Or even, 'Since you’re a woman, you could take care of the office plants.' (Spoiler: I do not have a green thumb!). Instead of shrugging it off, I spoke up and reported these behaviors to HR, and they took action. It was two small but significant moments of pushing back against outdated thinking."
Similarly, Modester stepped into her first role as an Operations Manager in an all-male team. "The team members were bent on being insubordinate to me because the previous manager was male. It took a lot to get them on board, but eventually, they accepted the new processes. Together, we achieved new growth for the company—with me as the first female Operations Team Lead."
Vinita takes a straightforward approach to breaking barriers. "Honestly, I don’t think of it as breaking barriers, I just do things the way I believe they should be done. From fixing things to handling technical problems, I never wait for someone to step in just because it’s considered 'a man’s job.' If something needs to be done, I’ll do it. Simple as that."
Overcoming Doubt and Self-Limiting Beliefs
For Riska, self-doubt was her biggest barrier. "As a teenager, I hesitated to apply for a highly competitive student exchange scholarship in my country. I kept thinking, 'What if I fail?' But then I realized—what if I don’t? I applied anyway, did my best, and got accepted. That experience changed my perspective on taking the first action, and it has since brought me so many better opportunities. I’ll always be grateful I was brave enough to take that step."
Rachel shares how she found her voice after years of being silenced. "Growing up in a divorced family was anything but easy. I was never allowed to speak up for myself—no one would listen. If I did, I could even be beaten by my father. I became the shy kid who waited to be told what to do, even when it hurt. Then, a kind woman at school helped me see that I had the power to change my life. It took courage, but I finally stood up to my father and told him I was old enough to make my own decisions. He was furious, and we didn’t speak for over a year. For 13 years, I was denied the freedom to have a voice. But one person helped me see that I could take control of my own future—and she was right."
Defying Expectations and Redefining Possibilities
In male-dominated industries, many women have had to carve out space for themselves. Mary stepped into a computer science program with zero programming experience, in a field where men significantly outnumbered women. "Despite the challenges, I embraced every opportunity to learn, pushed my limits, and proved to myself that I belonged. Not only did I complete the program, but I graduated in the top 5% of my class. It was a journey of resilience, growth, and breaking stereotypes—one line of code at a time."
Yosr also found herself in spaces with limited female representation. "One defining moment was when I decided to participate in an AI Hackathon despite initial doubts about my technical background. I took the challenge head-on, upskilled quickly, and collaborated with my team to develop an AI-based project focused on mental well-being. That experience reinforced my belief that perseverance and adaptability can break any barrier."
For Malena, breaking barriers came in the form of a simple yet bold choice: pursuing boxing despite being told it wasn’t "ladylike." "I do it anyway—and I enjoy it."
Women Who Inspire Us
In every woman’s journey, there are those who light the way—mentors, family members, trailblazers, and unsung heroes. The women at Lokafy share who inspires them and why.
Family: The First Role Models
For many, inspiration starts at home.
- Gwen: "I can’t pick just one because the women in my family are my inspiration! My mom, Fiorella, my sisters, Monia and Twjnky, and my niece, Carola, constantly inspire me with their strength, independence, and resilience. They teach me something new every day, and I’m beyond grateful for them."
- Malena: "My mum—she was a dedicated nurse, a loving parent, and just a wonderful person in general."
- Modester: "My mother and my Sisters circle."
- Mary: "My biggest inspiration is my mom, a woman whose constant faith in me has been my anchor in moments of doubt. Whenever I felt like giving up, she reminded me of my strength with her simple yet powerful words: 'Dufie, you can do it!' Her encouragement has shaped my resilience, pushing me to chase my dreams even when the path seemed uncertain."
- Vinita: "My mom and my nani. They are the strongest people I know, resilient, resourceful, and just get things done. They don’t talk about strength; they just are strong."
Women Who Paved the Way
From historical figures to modern leaders, these women have left a lasting impact.
- Riska: "Keumalahayati, an Indonesian hero."
- Chiamaka: "Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO)."
- Yosr: "Nawal El Saadawi, an Arab woman who fought tirelessly for women's rights, and Sonia Dahmeni, who is currently imprisoned for speaking up. Their courage and resilience remind me why standing up for justice is essential."
- Rachel: "Her Excellency Mrs. Jeanette Kagame is my inspiration. Her words resonate deeply with me:
'As we celebrate the achievements, let us also ask ourselves why we still have problems like teenage pregnancies and domestic conflicts. As empowered women, we can put an end to these outstanding issues.'
This powerful message constantly reminds me of my responsibility to advocate for every voiceless woman and work towards meaningful change."
Advice for Women in Leadership
Leadership comes with challenges, but women continue to redefine what it means to lead.
Trust Yourself & Speak Up
- Gwen: "Trust your intuition—it’s stronger than you think. If something feels off, speak up. Don’t be afraid to be assertive and set boundaries. And most importantly, actively listen—to both women and men—because leadership is about understanding and empowering others."
- Malena: "Speak up, set boundaries, and trust your gut."
- Vinita: "You don’t have to be what people expect a leader to be. Leadership isn’t about being the loudest in the room or making sure people see you as ‘in charge.’ It’s about making decisions, taking responsibility, and creating space for others. Also, don’t be afraid to push back. If something doesn’t sit right with you, say it. People might not always like it, but they’ll respect it."
Redefining Strength in Leadership
- Riska: "Don’t let society tell you that having emotions and empathy makes you a bad leader. In fact, they make you even stronger."
- Chiamaka: "Believe in yourself and what you can do. For women facing extra challenges and biases in leadership, believing in yourself is even more important. Your confidence can help break barriers and set an example for others." As Zig Ziglar said, "Your attitude, not your skills, will determine how high you go." By having a positive mindset and trusting in yourself, you'll take the first step toward making your dreams come true and inspiring those around you
Overcoming Barriers & Lifting Others
- Yosr: "If you feel caged, and they tell you no—step up and do it yourself. It’s going to be hard, but it’s worth it. You’ll learn to be independent and successful on your own."
- Modester: "Be open to mentorship, especially for younger women who doubt themselves. Diamonds are not shiny when discovered."
- Mary: "Embrace collaboration and don’t shy away from seeking support. Leadership can sometimes feel isolating, but building a network of trusted peers and mentors is key. True leaders know how to lift others while also accepting help when they need it."
Books, Podcasts, and Media That Changed Our Perspective
Words have the power to shape our thoughts, challenge our beliefs, and inspire action.
Books That Inspire Strength & Growth
- Gwen: Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés – “A must-read for any woman who wants to reconnect with her inner strength and intuition.”
- Chiamaka: Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck – A book that reshapes how we think about potential and perseverance.
- Malena: A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini – A deeply moving story of resilience and the strength of women.
- Vinita: A Terrible Kindness – “A reminder that kindness isn’t always easy or soft. Sometimes it’s uncomfortable, sometimes it’s hard, but it’s still necessary.”
Stories of Impact & Resilience
- Yosr: Mountains Beyond Mountains – “An inspiring message of resilience and making a difference.”
- Modester: Not as Strong as a Y Combinator Video – “It’s significant because it was recommended by two female founders from a venture capital firm.”
Media That Challenges Perspectives
- Yosr: Attack on Titan (Anime) – “Because men and women are equal in fighting for their beliefs.”
- Yosr: Friends (TV Show) – “It portrays the normalcy of friendships between different genders while also highlighting moments where women stand up for themselves and each other.”
- Rachel: Name Is Woman by Rwandan female artist Weya Viatora – “To every woman out there: take action, leave fear behind, and embrace your capabilities.”
Actions We Take to Support Women Around Us
Empowering women isn’t just about grand gestures—it’s in the everyday actions, the small moments of support, and the communities we build.
Mentorship & Community Building
- Chiamaka: “Mentorship and community building are key. I share my experiences, offer guidance, and cheer other women on because I believe when one of us rises, we all do.”
- Yosr: “I actively encourage and guide women—whether in their careers, studies, or personal growth—to step outside their comfort zones and claim their space.”
- Modester: “I help women identify their strengths and weaknesses, working with them to turn challenges into strengths. I bring this approach to every team I lead.”
- Mary: “Through my volunteer work with an NGO that educates junior high school students, I take every opportunity to inspire young girls to break barriers and chase their dreams fearlessly.”
- Riska: “I'm involved in Dara Merdeka, a student-led community focused on empowering local women.”
Creating Safe & Supportive Spaces
- Gwen: “Be the mother, sister, and best friend you wish you had. That means offering support, encouragement, and a safe space to lift each other up.”
- Malena: “I create a safe, judgment-free space where my friends and colleagues feel fully supported and heard.”
Advocacy & Everyday Actions
- Vinita: “I make sure women are heard. Whether in meetings, decisions, or everyday conversations, I ensure their voices aren’t overlooked. Support doesn’t have to be a big gesture, it’s in the small, everyday things that truly make a difference.”
- Malena: “I try to buy from local female entrepreneurs, supporting their businesses in any way I can.”
By taking these actions—big and small—we create a world where women feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Closing Thoughts
These stories reflect strength, persistence, and the unwavering determination to create change. Whether it’s in leadership, technology, entrepreneurship, or everyday actions, these women embody what it means to accelerate progress—not by waiting for change but by making it happen.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s remember that change doesn’t come from words alone—it comes from action. From small steps to bold moves, every effort counts. So let’s keep pushing forward, supporting one another, and ensuring that equity isn’t just an aspiration, but a reality.
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