Written by Marcela Balart 

This Saturday, 8 March, will be International Women’s Day (IWD), marking 30 years since the United Nation’s Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action for achieving gender equality.  

From 1995, this global initiative has supported opportunities for women to break barriers, reshape policies, and ignite movements towards a gender equal world. However, despite significant progress, we are simply not where we should be. 

The IMPACT Agency has long been an advocate for the advancement of women, which aligns with our company values of being grounded in humanity as well as motivated to make a difference in the world.  

The topic is close to the heart of IMPACT CEO and Founder, Nicole Webb who last year penned an article about the role gender has played in her career and the incredible female leaders in the PR industry, and the problem with the status quo. 

The 2025 theme, “March Forward: For ALL Women and Girls”, calls for greater action to close the gap on gender equality. After 30 years of IWD, the IMPACT team share our commitment to the cause and our hopes for the future.  

Nicole Webb, IMPACT CEO + Founder  

“I made a conscious decision this year not to read any headlines with the word ‘Trump’. So far, it’s working, but it is hard to ignore the number of organisations who are ‘revisiting’ or ‘rolling back’ their DE&I programs in 2025. State Street, the asset management firm known for installing the “Fearless Girl” statue in New York to promote gender diversity in corporate leadership, last week dropped its diversity targets for corporate boards. I have no words. 

It’s hard to see how an individual can sway this absurdity (and as a small business my voice is a speck) but I stand with companies who are doubling down on their DE&I commitments, and I know where I will be spending my hard-earned money over the next few years. March Forward, not backwards.”  

Victoria O’Neill, IMPACT COO 

“We’ve seen this before. When leaders feel under pressure to deliver value to shareholders, purpose driven initiatives suddenly become a ‘distraction’, a ‘nice to have’ or a ‘non-priority’. 

This time, however, it is different. There is an unsettling narrative that critical programs that support diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) aren’t just costly, they are dangerous. DEI has become a scapegoat for corruption, corporate failure and even natural disasters. 

Women can’t wait for the ‘good times’ to return to be seen, valued and respected. We must speak up. We must march on.” 

Marcela Balart, Strategic Communications Director  

“When I think about International Women’s Day, I am reminded of the amazing women who surround me in both my personal and work life. I feel fortunate to have had such inspiring female mentors, supportive male allies, as well as women who have been shining examples of strength and resilience.  

The reality is that our current freedoms and rights were fought tooth and nail by previous generations, and it is maddening to know there are women and girls in the world who have not been afforded the rights that they deserve. We must preserve the momentum we have gained and strive for respect and equality for all. With so much more work to be done, I am committed to paying it forward.”  

Trish McGee, Account Director 

“Having worked in female-led companies my entire working life, I know how incredibly smart and powerful women are. But I must admit, it’s worrying to see what is happening both globally and locally regarding the pullback of DE&I. It feels like a stark reminder that progress isn’t guaranteed.  

As women we are resilient. Alongside our allies, we will continue to push boundaries and drive meaningful change that leads to respect and equality, regardless of shifting policies. In a time that feels like a lot of the world has taken a step backward regarding women’s rights, it’s never been more important to come together to march forward.” 

Lucia McCabe, Senior Account Manager 

“As a mum with a young family, this IWD, I’m committed to empowering the next generation particularly young women. By marching forward together, we can drive real change to ensure no one is left behind.”  

Eva Mitchell, Senior Account Manager 

“This year’s theme of ‘March Forward’ is a clear call to take action. However, I believe marching forward collectively requires us all to take accountability for the smaller steps, continuing towards gender equality. For example, it can often be easy to let a comment slide rather than calling it out and questioning the bias. This year, I commit to the one percent actions and steps forward, speaking up when I encounter gender bias, and using the opportunity to educate and inform to support a brighter future for the next generation.”  

Sophie Babic, Account Manager 

“International Women’s Day for me brings up mixed emotions. Yes, I am amazed to see the incredible progress we have made, and I want to celebrate women and all their strengths; however, it also highlights how far we still have to go. I want a world where equality isn’t a goal but a given, where women’s voices are heard without having to fight for space, and where every girl grows up knowing her worth. This day is a reminder to celebrate, reflect, and keep pushing forward. Progress is powerful, but the work is far from over.” 

Kotori Tayama-Gannon, Account Coordinator 

“To me, the uplifting of women is a constant commitment. As DE&I landscapes shift, I will continue to support an environment where all women have the space and opportunity to lead, innovate, and succeed in all that they wish.”