In certain countries, such as China, Uganda, and Russia, International Women’s Day is a full public holiday for both women and men.

This year’s theme is ‘Accelerate Action’ - centring attention around tangible methods to create a gender equal world. As stated on the International Women’s Day website:

Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge gender equality. Collectively for #IWD2025 we can all #AccelerateAction.

This year we wanted to provide a platform for women at Yapily to share their experiences that have shaped them both at work and beyond. That includes great pieces of advice they’ve received, particular moments they’re proud of, and what they want to pass on to the next generation of women in tech.

Here are some of the responses we received from our amazing team!

Elaina Papastavrou, explorer of hidden food gems and Head of Customer Success

"It was my first day in my new role — a promotion taking on commercial responsibility. It also happened to be a sales offsite and our first task was to take 5 minutes to pitch our product in a small team and I was given the task of closing our rushed idea.

As all the teams went through their pitch, the task came to a close and our very quiet and minimalist CEO stood and gave a few pieces of feedback. He simply looked my way and said, “Elaina, your close was good”.

It may seem like small praise, but considering I was the youngest female out of 50 people, heads turned and people noticed. It gave me such a boost and really allowed me to accept the position I was in and the opportunities ahead.

I’d love to take this day to remind people that tiny efforts can make a big difference in the workplace when it comes to enabling women in our industry - let’s make those moments count."

Kate Luton, Head of Legal, at home, abroad, and at Yapily

“For me, IWD is about being the role model for my daughters to show them that being a woman in the world should be about choice. Choice that can and should be equal for them. And choice for their parents to parent how they wish to and work how they wish too.

I come from a very strong-willed matriarchal family (I think it’s also something to do with the Hispanic passion of my mother) and from a young age the women I was surrounded by were strong, loud, unapologetic in their actions and opinions and complete champions of me and my sister. I didn’t question when cosseted in my family that I was worthy, or loved or capable of anything.

However, I do remember the palpable realisation that things were not equal for me, as a girl in the world. My mother taught me strategies for surviving…everywhere. Walk only in well-lit spaces, don’t look vulnerable, don’t be too loud, don’t appear bossy, be likeable, dress appropriately - so many rules!

A few years ago, there was an experiment by the Norwegian Trade Union Finansforbundet that went viral. It showed two children (a boy and a girl) being asked to complete a task together - collecting balls of different colours and sorting them into different containers. The children worked together and when the task was completed, they were each given a reward of sweets. The boy was given double the amount of sweets the girl was given. The children were very confused as to why the girl didn’t have as many. Neither of them think it is fair as they completed the same task, put in the same effort and achieved the same outcome. Their faces in this experiment are heartbreaking as they realise the value of work and reward and don’t consider either of them should receive less than the other. They share the sweets between them to make them equal.

Now I have two daughters, and they are so delightfully innocent of the world and I spend every day (along with their father) trying to show them that they can do and be anything in the world, and that that should come with equal reward.”

Pippa Byrne, chihuahua mum of 30 amazing doggies and Director of People and Talent

“There are people who shape your career, and then there are those who shape you as a person. For me, that was Liz Beck. When I was young and thought I had all the answers, she showed me how to see things differently, with wisdom and perspective, she made me look at all angles and helped me reframe.

As my line manager at The Body Shop, she wasn’t just a leader — I was truly inspired to be like her. To this day, she’s still there, guiding me, supporting me, and looking out for me. Not just an incredible colleague, but a lifelong friend I trust implicitly.”

Jayna Hothi, pink toolbox owning dachshund mum and Freelance Designer

“Growing up, I was fortunate to have parents who encouraged me to break down gender and social norms. While tradition often placed South Asian women in roles centered around the home, I was empowered to explore beyond those boundaries.

With support from a young age, I discovered a multitude of ideas, passions, and abilities — regardless of how I may be perceived as a woman. At 11, I picked up my first power drill. By 13, I was designing 2D kitchen extraction canopies using AutoCAD. My father was the driving force behind my ability to learn these skills, shaping my creativity and pushing me to explore both the technical and artistic sides of design. To this day, I have tiled bathrooms, designed and built stages for events and fitted out restaurant interiors.

While some may say, “That’s a man’s job” or “Why don’t you just call a plumber?”, I believe that skills have no gender—everything can be learned, and no one should be limited by societal expectations.

I still cherish the ‘learned traditions’ that come with being a woman, but I believe they highlight the incredible ability of women everywhere to juggle multiple roles and excel at them!

For me, International Women’s Day is about celebrating those who break down barriers and step into spaces not traditionally set up for them, setting an example for generations to come, and empowering each other to follow our hearts.”

Van Kidsanapun, culture seeker, dog mum and Strategy Manager

“I am very close to my mother, whom I look up to as my inspiration and role model. To me, she is the hardest-working individual, always striving to give her two daughters the best life possible. Growing up, I watched her leave for work very early and return home late, never once complaining despite her exhaustion. When I asked her why she worked so hard, she simply said that it was for us. Through her dedication and sacrifices, she taught me the importance of perseverance and love.

Five years ago, I left Thailand - the country where I had spent my entire life, in search of something more meaningful and adventurous. Starting over in a foreign country was never easy, especially as a 5-foot-tall Asian woman! There are moments of doubt, but I drew strength from my mother’s example. Though she encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, I know deep down she would have preferred me to stay close. Even though I sometimes regret being half a world apart, I remind myself that her sacrifices have allowed me to pursue my dreams. Today, I am in a place filled with opportunities and new learning experiences, and with my mother as my biggest supporter!

My advice to all women is to push hard and never settle for the status quo. Always thrive to be out of your comfort zone, embrace new experiences, and seek every opportunity to learn and grow.”

Inspiring women in tech

Poor gender representation often dominates discussions about women in tech, and while this is an important topic, it shouldn’t overshadow the contribution that women have made to the industry.

Below are some of our favourite examples of pioneering women who have truly shaped tech as we know it today.

Ada Lovelace - Computer programing pioneer

Commonly described as the world’s first computer programmer, Ada Lovelace was an English mathematician who developed Charles Babbage’s ‘Analytical Engine’. This was an early prototype for the digital computer, created in the early 1800s!

Her annotations on the Analytical Engine explained how it could be programmed. So big was her contribution to computing that one of the earliest programming languages was named after her, and the second Tuesday of October is celebrated as Ada Lovelace day!

“The Analytical Engine weaves algebraic patterns, just as the Jacquard-loom weaves flowers and leaves.” Ada Lovelace

Aicha Evans - Electrical engineer and tech leader

The CEO of Amazon’s self-driving car subsidiary, Zoox, Aicha Evans began her career as an electrical engineer at Intel. She later moved to Zoox where, under her leadership, the company was acquired by Amazon for $1.3 billion in 2020.

Evans was born in Senegal but grew up in Paris before completing her education at Stanford University. She is passionate about women in STEM and currently serves on the board of directors for the National Center for Women & Information Technology.

“The idea is rarely the problem. Execution is sometimes the problem. But determination…you just literally have to have irrational belief and be determined that it’s going to work out.” - Aicha Evans.

Mira Murati - Entrepreneur and key figure in generative AI

Serving as CTO of OpenAI until September 2024, Mira Murati played a leading role in developing one of the most talked about computing breakthroughs of the past decade.

After receiving her degree in mechanical engineering, Murati joined Tesla as a Product Manager on their Model X. She joined OpenAI in 2018 and became CTO in 2020. Murati recently announced the launch of her own company, Thinking Machines, which is set to be valued at $9 billion according to Business Insider. She is 34 years old.

“We’re working on something that will change everything. Will change the way that we work, the way that we interact with each other, and the way that we think and everything, really, all aspects of life.” - Mira Murati.

At Yapily, we recognise that women throughout history have not received the recognition they deserve for their incredible contributions to tech — and persisting gender biases mean that this is still a problem.

Celebrating the women who have shaped and continue to shape our industry is something that should be done every day. International Women’s Day gives us all a moment to collectively reflect on where we are because of women, and where we still need to get to.

Wishing everyone a happy International Women’s Day from all of us at Yapily!