Achieving gender equality requires collective action to challenge bias, break barriers, and celebrate women's achievements. Yet, women and girls globally continue to face disparities in leadership, economic opportunity, and access to essential resources. Full gender parity won’t be reached until 2158, roughly five generations from now (WEF).

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, "Accelerate Action: Empowering Women for a Sustainable Future", highlights the need for bold steps toward inclusion, innovation, and equity across all sectors. At the Swarovski Foundation, we are committed to this vision through our mission to promote sustainable livelihoods through education to reduce inequality. By advancing opportunities for women and girls in education and sustainable livelihoods, we can help build a future where every woman and girl has the chance to thrive.

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‍Village Enterprise – Building Resilience to Empower Female Entrepreneurs in Rural Kenya

The population of sub-Saharan Africa is projected to double by 2050 (United Nations). And yet, about 464 million people in the region were still living in extreme poverty in 2024 (WorldBank).

The Swarovski Foundation started a partnership with Village Enterprise in 2024 to support their programme in Busia County, Kenya. Village Enterprise's mission is to end extreme poverty in rural Africa through entrepreneurship, innovation, and collective action. The organisation plays a unique role in poverty reduction by targeting people living in extreme poverty, especially women, and equipping them with the resources and skills to create sustainable, income-generating businesses. Their model has already had incredible results across the continent, increasing earnings and savings for participants, supporting better nutrition, education access, higher-quality housing and health care for them and their families.

You can find more information about Village Enterprise’s impactful work here.

Akirachix - Empowering Women and Closing the Gender Gap in Africa’s Tech Industry

The technology sector is growing faster in Africa than any other region, but women only make up 30% of the continent’s tech professionals,and only 52 women are promoted to manager for every 100 men (McKinsey & Company).

AkiraChix is a non-profit organisation that exists to build the world’s leading source of African female technological talent. Their core work is ensuring young women across East Africa have the tools, education and support to have a prosperous career in technology and live fulfilling lives.Their codeHive residential coding programme equips young women aged 19-24 with tech skills to advance economically, bridging the gender gap in tech.

You can learn more about AkiraChix and support by sponsoring through their donate page or advocating for more women in tech. Your involvement can help provide young women with the skills, education, and opportunities they need to build successful digital careers.

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#AccelerateAction

Advancing women's progress requires collective action from individuals and organisations. In daily life, we can challenge bias, call out stereotypes, and celebrate women's achievements while sharing knowledge and encouragement. Globally, impactful initiatives help accelerate progress by driving economic empowerment, advancing diverse talent, supporting women in leadership, and ensuring access to education and sustainable opportunities.

Learn more at: www.internationalwomensday.com