At H.E.L Group, we recognize that progress toward gender equality doesn’t happen without action. This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Accelerate Action,” is a call to push forward—faster and stronger—toward a more inclusive future. From breaking biases in the workplace to creating opportunities for leadership and professional growth, action is key to making lasting change. To celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, we asked the incredible women at H.E.L Group to share their thoughts on what accelerating action means to them, what’s driving progress in gender equality, and how we can all play a role in fostering inclusivity. Their insights highlight the power of collective action and the steps we can take to create a more equitable world.

What does “Accelerate Action” mean to you?

The issue of women’s rights isn’t over. There is still work to be done for humanity to reap the benefits of equity for all genders. – Sarennah Longworth-Cook, Director of People

Working collectively to increase awareness, momentum, and action for gender equality. – Tina Scott, Production Manager

Create a positive culture, and behavior change to shift mindsets so we can move toward an inclusive workplace. – Susan Martin, Operations Manager

It’s about actively creating opportunities, challenging biases, and ensuring that women have access to leadership roles, mentorship, and professional development. Progress requires action! – Victoria Ordsmith, Director of Marketing

To me Accelerate action means promoting economic empowerment to women. Through the elimination of competing against each other or men and ensuring the equal provision of tools for women to develop their skills in the workplace. – Purnima Parkhi, Lead Application & Support India

What’s something you think will or is improving progress in gender equality?

Education. – Sarennah Longworth-Cook, Director of People

Individuals having the confidence, support and encouragement to speak out, challenge and question gender discrimination and bias. – Tina Scott, Production Manager

Offering encouragement and share knowledge, I have helped staff I have managed over the years in various companies develop their potential by sharing knowledge and working closely with them to be a more confident version of themselves to which I have received positive feedback that this approach has helped them greatly in their progression. – Susan Martin, Operations Manager

One significant factor improving progress in gender equality is the increasing representation of women in leadership roles across various sectors, from politics to business. With more women at the decision-making table, policies and initiatives are more likely to reflect the needs and experiences of women, fostering greater equality. – Rachel Nguyen, Business Development Manager, US

Women managers helping you thrive in your job role through mentoring and supporting positive flexibility around your working and personal needs. – Cathy Wardle, Marketing Coordinator

Companies implementing fair hiring practices, supporting women’s career growth, or fostering inclusive workplaces. Mentorship and visibility of women in leadership are key to improving gender equality. – Victoria Ordsmith, Director of Marketing

Access to information, education, or platforms that enable women to connect and collaborate globally. Provide paid maternity and paternity leave to promote shared responsibilities in caregiving. Provide access to financial resources. For example, improve women’s access to financial services including loans, investments, and business development support, particularly for women entrepreneurs. – Purnima Parkhi, Lead Application & Support India

What’s your message to people about how they can help support gender equality?

Every thought, every action matters. – Sarennah Longworth-Cook, Director of People

By encouraging an open tolerant culture where debate and challenging the status quo is welcomed. We should all feel empowered to speak out in the face of discrimination. – Tina Scott, Production Manager

Challenging discrimination – Susan Martin, Operations Manager

Support can be as simple as advocating for female colleagues, ensuring equal representation in meetings, or mentoring someone early in their career. Everyone (not just women) has a role to play in fostering an environment where talent—not gender—determines success. – Victoria Ordsmith, Director of Marketing

Do you know of any successful teamwork or projects that have helped women?

Future of Leadership & Women on Boards is a great organization. An ex-colleague in Romania, Violeta Ciurel, co-founder of FLI, is an inspiration to all women internationally in business and a great supporter whose aim is to leave a meaningful and sustainable legacy. – Susan Martin, Operations Manager

In lots of industries, there are specific female-focused groups, which is really helpful for support and mentoring programs. I used to work in the analytical chemistry industry, and I came across FeMS (Females in Mass Spec). FeMS are instrumental in connecting women with experienced professionals who can guide them through career transitions and challenges. During Covid, I was involved in their mentoring program and found it such a useful space to learn and to pass on the knowledge I had gained throughout my career so far. – Victoria Ordsmith, Director of Marketing

How can someone get involved or make a difference in their community?

Give food parcels to local charities, donate to change lives, and be there for someone in need. – Susan Martin, Operations Manager

Someone can get involved by supporting local organizations focused on women’s empowerment and gender equality, whether through donations, volunteering, or advocacy. Additionally, they can educate themselves and others on the importance of gender equality, challenge bias in their daily lives, and actively promote women’s leadership and opportunities in their community. – Rachel Nguyen, Business Development Manager, US

What does your organization do to support women

At H.E.L Group, we’re proud to be led by a female CEO and committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We’re currently at 25% female representation in our workforce and leadership roles, and we’re working hard to achieve gender parity, recognizing the unique skills and contributions of all our employees. We believe everyone deserves an equal chance to succeed. – Sarennah Longworth-Cook, Director of People

H.E.L Ltd has been incredibly supportive in my journey as a new mum by providing me with the opportunity to take shared parental leave. This policy has allowed me to balance my career and family life in a way that works best for my family, giving me the flexibility to bond with my baby while also sharing responsibilities with my partner. It’s empowering to be part of an organization that champions gender equality and recognizes the importance of supporting new mums in the workplace. – Jada Whitmore, SAP B1 Systems Manager

Since I joined H.E.L, the flexible working hours have greatly improved my work-life balance. As a mother of two boys, with my husband often away on business trips, I need to dedicate more time to my children and household responsibilities. The flexible working hours offered by our company have made it much easier for me to coordinate my schedule with my children’s school routines and also boosting my work efficiency and ensuring that unexpected family matters do not interfere with my professional duties. I am very happy to work in H.E.L Group and will continue to work hard to create more value for our company. – Sammy Wang, Office Administrator China

Although I work in a male-dominated industry, I’ve never felt that my gender has limited my career progression. At H.E.L, merit is prioritized, and all employees have equal opportunities to grow based on their skills and contributions. I’m proud to be part of a company that values talent and dedication above all else. – Wilma Fortes, Product Manager

Our organization H.E.L Group supports women by prioritizing equal pay, opportunities to grow at the workplace, Freedom at work to implement strategies, providing flexible work arrangements, work from-home opportunities, offering leadership development opportunities specifically for women, providing various training opportunities, celebrating the success of women – Purnima Parkhi, Lead Application & Support India

At H.E.L Group, we believe that gender equality isn’t just an aspiration—it’s a responsibility. The insights shared by the incredible women in our organization highlight the power of collective action in driving real change. This International Women’s Day, let’s all commit to accelerating action, challenging biases, and creating opportunities for every individual to thrive, regardless of gender.
Progress doesn’t happen by chance; it happens because of the choices we make every day. Whether it’s through mentorship, advocacy, or fostering inclusive workplaces, we each have a role to play in building a more equitable future.
Together, we can push forward—faster and stronger—toward a world where talent, ambition, and innovation are the only measures of success.
Happy International Women’s Day!
Louise Madden, CEO