Did you know ?
At the current pace of progress, full gender parity won’t be reached until 2158 – that’s nearly five generations from now, according to the World Economic Forum. This stark reality underscores the urgency of this year’s theme: #AccelerateAction.
It’s a call to action for all of us to challenge stereotypes, combat discrimination, and celebrate the remarkable achievements of women. This is not just about fairness – it’s about progress, driving innovation, and ensuring everyone has a fair chance to succeed.
Support the Supporters
While International Women’s Day is a moment to celebrate the achievements of women, the message is clear: inclusivity is key.
Meaningful change happens when everyone – regardless of gender – actively contributes to more equitable workplaces and communities. One of the most impactful ways to #AccelerateAction is to support those who advocate for equality, ensuring their voices are heard and their efforts amplified.
In the spirit of this initiative, we spoke with colleagues about their perspectives on gender equality and how they contribute to a more inclusive, diverse, and supportive work environment. Their insights reinforce a powerful truth: when we work together, we create stronger and more innovative communities.
Voices from our community
In the spirit of this initiative, we spoke with colleagues about their perspectives on gender equality and how they contribute to a more inclusive, diverse, and supportive work environment. Their insights reinforce a powerful truth: when we work together, we create stronger and more innovative communities.
Why do you think are initiatives like International Women’s Day important?
International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of the vital role women play in shaping society. It’s both a symbol of resistance and a call for change – recognising the challenges women face while celebrating their contributions. More than a day of recognition, it reinforces the broader need for inclusivity and equal opportunities for all.
What specific action are you taking to accelerate change in your sphere of influence?
I engage in initiatives that promote women in science whenever possible. After participating in the Women in Science video series by FNR and Research Luxembourg, I joined the ADVANCE mentoring pilot programme at the University of Luxembourg. This year, I’m excited to mentor a young female researcher and support her journey in science.
Why do you think are initiatives like International Women’s Day important?
As an Engineer and Computer Scientist, I believe it’s essential to highlight the ongoing underrepresentation of women in our field. Today, we face major global challenges, from climate change to resource limitations. At the same time, engineering and information technology present immense opportunities to address these issues.
However, we must also navigate significant risks – such as the profound impact artificial intelligence may have on our world. The choices we make now will shape the future, and diverse perspectives are essential in ensuring responsible and sustainable progress.
To navigate these challenges, I am convinced we need more women’s voices in engineering and ICT. A stronger female presence will bring valuable insights and shape more balanced, forward-thinking solutions. That’s why initiatives like International Women’s Day 2025 are so important – they raise awareness, challenge gender disparities, and inspire more women to take leading roles in technology and innovation.
How do you actively ensure different perspectives are heard and valued at work?
In my work, I actively foster an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives – especially those from underrepresented groups – are heard and valued. As a research scientist in satellite communications and artificial intelligence, I mentor and supervise students and colleagues, encouraging a broad range of viewpoints in technical discussions.
At SIGCOM, where women remain in the minority, I help organise monthly meetings for female researchers. These provide a space for networking, professional development, and open discussions on challenges in our field. I also prioritise amplifying the voices of women and early-career researchers in projects and presentations, ensuring their contributions receive the recognition they deserve.
Why do you think are initiatives like International Women’s Day important?
Initiatives such as International Women’s Day are crucial for highlighting systemic challenges and driving change, but real progress requires continuous effort. In ICT research, targeted funding and leadership programmes can help women advance their careers.
I advocate for diverse hiring, mentor women in STEM, and contribute to research at the intersection of technology and social impact. A small but powerful action I take daily is ensuring women’s contributions are recognised – whether by citing their work, recommending them for opportunities, or amplifying their ideas in meetings. These steps create a ripple effect towards lasting change.
How do you actively ensure different perspectives are heard and valued at work?
I engage in meaningful discussions with my colleagues on a range of topics, making sure that my perspective is heard while also actively listening to theirs.
Where do you see the greatest opportunities to accelerate progress for women in ICT research?
The greatest opportunity lies in early education. Introducing science and technology to children in elementary school is essential for inspiring the next generation of scientists, including more young girls to pursue careers in ICT.
Where do you see the greatest opportunities to accelerate progress for women in ICT research?
As digitalisation reshapes every aspect of our lives, women play a pivotal role in driving innovation and creativity. Those who reach STEM or ICT research positions have navigated a male-dominated field, bringing invaluable perspectives that enrich research and challenge biases. Their inclusive approach fosters innovation, strengthens diverse viewpoints, and pushes scientific excellence forward for future generations.
What specific action are you taking to accelerate change in your sphere of influence?
As the lead of the Equality Working Group at SnT and programme manager for the FutureFinTech National Centre of Excellence in Research & Innovation, I work to foster an inclusive research environment and promote gender equality. We’ve established key performance indicators and incentives to recognise diversity within our FinTech Scientific Research Area (SRA). In 2025, we will expand these efforts to other SRAs – including Space, Cybersecurity, and Autonomous Systems – to further strengthen women’s roles and advance research excellence.(FutureFinTech is supported by the Luxembourg National Research Fund and The Government of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg – Ministry of Finance).
Looking ahead: Research is Better Together
This year’s theme aligns seamlessly with our ongoing campaign, ‘Research is Better Together’, which highlights the stories and contributions of our researchers. Together, we celebrate the diverse perspectives that enhance our research community and drive innovation – proving that inclusion isn’t just beneficial, it’s fundamental to success.
As we mark International Women’s Day, let’s commit to #AccelerateAction – not just today, but every day. Together, we can build a future where gender equality isn’t a distant goal, but a present reality.