International Women’s Day 2025 will be celebrated on 8 March 2025, with the theme, March Forward: For all women and girls. We're celebrating some of the current female leaders from Seamless member organisations and asking them what guidance they would give to women and girls committed to marching forward.
UN Women Australia notes, “Thirty years ago, the world committed to a bold vision for gender equality through the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995, this landmark document outlined 12 critical areas where progress was urgently needed, from economic empowerment and leadership to media representation and climate justice.
Yet, despite significant progress since then, the promises of Beijing remain largely unfulfilled for millions of women. The world is experiencing new and overlapping crises and the erosion of rights. Last year alone, 612 million women and girls lived amidst the brutal realities of armed conflict, a disturbing 50 percent increase in just a decade.
This year’s theme, “March Forward: For ALL Women and Girls”, calls for action that can unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all. Central to this vision is empowering the next generation – youth, particularly young women and adolescent girls – as catalysts for lasting change.”
This year, we’re celebrating some of the current female leaders from Seamless member organisations, alongside our Seamless CEO. We asked them, What guidance would you give to women and girls committed to marching forward toward a more sustainable circular future?
Alice Barbery, CEO, Universal Store
"It is a privilege to hold positions within industry that allow us to influence, shape and in some instances, mandate change for good. As we march forward in our careers and within communities and families, we must bravely embrace this responsibility to use our voices, our talents, and our resources to impact the future for good.”
Lorna Jane Clarkson, Founder, Lorna Jane
“Every woman who has fought for change before us has given us the power to keep pushing forward and that’s exactly what we need to keep doing. We need to support each other, celebrate each other, and lift each other higher because if one woman can make a difference, then together we can change the world.
So, to every woman reading this, know that you are capable, you are strong, and you are worthy, and you don’t need permission to go after what you want and pursue your dreams. We are in this together and the next generation is watching, so let’s show them what’s possible.”
Tanya Deans, President, Hanes Brands Australasia
"My advice to women and girls committed to marching towards a more sustainable circular future is the world needs you! When your career is guided by a strong personal purpose, you’ll truly make a difference. Think progress not perfection; we need our female circular dreamers to break conventions, reframe our beliefs and help us make those important steps, small or large towards a better future. Who better than smart, creative and motivated women to make that happen!"
Anna Fowler, CEO, Lorna Jane
"Being a leader in business isn’t just about what we achieve for ourselves - it’s about lifting others with us. Be bold, back yourself, and don’t be afraid to take up space. Ask for what you deserve, chase what excites you, and remember that every small step forward matters. The choices we make today shape the future for the next generation - so let’s make them fearless."
Elisha Hopkinson, Chief Executive Officer, APG & Co.
“Sustainability is broad and deep, it touches so many areas of an organisation. To embed sustainability, march forward with your decision making with curiosity. Ask about the impacts on the system; people, materials, culture, and make decisions for longevity. Making products that last and deliver good impact on customers and the environment is key to progressing sustainability and circularity. A mantra to remember – building a resilient business or brand is a marathon, not a sprint.”
Ainsley Simpson, CEO, Seamless
"There is power in persistence: Hold many arrows in your quiver, and remember, the greater the tension when drawn backward, the faster you propel toward your target."
Register for Shop for Change, launching on International Women’s Day
Also, we’re thrilled to share an initiative from Seamless supporter, i=change, called Shop for Change. It’s an annual impact-focused event that launches on International Women’s Day from 8 to 10 March, where brands give back $3 or 3% of every purchase on their online stores for three days.
So far, i=Change International Women’s Day Shop for Change has impacted the lives of over 11,000 women and girls.
To find out more and register before 3 March, visit the i=change website.
