Dear Friends,
As International Women’s Month 2025 is coming to a close, we reflect on how women continue to reshape our world with resilience, creativity, and compassion. This month, we not only honoured the progress made, but also celebrated to the bright future that women are helping create in every aspect of life.
We know that the road ahead is long. We don’t have the luxury to take a step back from our efforts to create more equal societies. It is thanks to these shared efforts that in recent years, we’ve seen extraordinary growth in women’s participation across diverse fields. Women’s education levels continue to rise. Globally, 63% of women have completed secondary education, and more women than ever are attending universities. Yet, according to the World Economic Forum, while women are close to occupying nearly half of entry-level positions, they fall short of representing just one-quarter of C-suite roles. Changing this reality must be a top priority.
A particularly inspiring area of progress is in sustainability, where women are at the forefront of environmental advocacy and innovation. According to a report by the United Nations, women-led businesses are more likely to invest in sustainable practices, making up a critical force in the global transition to a green economy.
At Athena40, this March, together with our strategic partners, supporters and friends, we celebrated stories of women’s leadership shaping a sustainable future for all. So, to all the women who are leading the charge in sustainability, we thank you. Your dedication to improving our planet and your relentless commitment to creating a better world for future generations are truly inspiring. Your voices, actions, and leadership are changing the course of history. You are building a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow. Together, we accelerate action.
More soon!
With gratitude,
Elizabeth
Athena40 Women and Sustainability Awards IWD2025
As part of International Women’s Month 2025 Athena40 hosted the ‘Women’s Interventions for a Sustainable Future’ Awards in partnership with the London Press Club and KNOCK Inc. briging together thought leaders, policymakers, and visionaries dedicated to advancing sustainability and gender equality worldwide.
“In every organisation or company there will be barriers that are hidden to prevent women from rising up to the top. There are everywhere and they’re all the things that are not obvious,” highlighted Baroness Catherine Ashton, former High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, in her keynote address.
The evening, chaired by Vicky Pryce, showcased the extraordinary achievements of eight remarkable women across various categories, honouring their passion and perseverance to drive meaningful change and create a brighter future for our societies.
- The award for Sustainability & Business was given to Lorraine Hariton, Former CEO of Catalyst.
- Founder and Director of ASHTAR Theatre, Iman Aoun, was honoured with the Sustainability & the Arts award.
- The Sustainability & Philanthropy recognition was given to social entrepreneur and philanthropist Sophia Swire.
- Inventor Fatima Alkaabi was recognised for her inventions, and for her innovative contributions to society receiving the Tech & Innovation for Good award.
- The Sustainability & The Media award was given to passionate advocate for women’s visibility and empowerment, Lalita Taylor FRSA.
- President of the UN Association of Hungary, Ambassador Katalin Bogyay was recognised as an active promoter and supporter of cultural diplomacy and a strong advocate of gender equality and received the UN SDGs Ambassador award.
- Fashion designer Stella McCartney won the Sustainability & the Environment award.
- The Governance & Ethics award was given to Dame Ruth Cairnie.
The profiles of all shortlisted can be found here. Photos from the Awards evening can be visited here
Athena40 Winners 2025
A Big Thank You to our Sponsors and Partners
Athena40 Judges 2025
Under the auspices of the Greek Embassy in London
We were honoured to have the auspices of the Greek Embassy in London and to welcome the Deputy Head of Mission Ms Ioanna Kriebardi (pictured above on the left), as Greece began its two-year term as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council on New Year’s Day, marking a historic moment for the nation’s diplomacy.
IWD 2025 “Accelerate Action” – Key Events
- United Nations Commemoration: The UN hosted an event under the theme “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment” to highlight the necessity of investing in women’s rights and well-being for prosperous economies and a healthy planet.
- Global Protests and Marches: Demonstrations occurred worldwide, advocating for equal pay, reproductive rights, education, justice, and decision-making roles for women. Protests in Istanbul, Turkey, addressed the government’s restrictive definitions of women’s roles, while marches across Europe spotlighted issues like unequal pay and sexual violence.
- Focus on Women’s Health: The World Economic Forum’s Global Alliance for Women’s Health emphasised the importance of recognizing women’s health as both a human right and an economic opportunity, aiming to close the health gap and empower women globally.
- Ipsos Survey Insights: A global survey spanning 30 countries revealed mixed views on gender equality advancements. While many believe young women today will have better lives than their mothers’ generation, there’s less optimism for young men. Additionally, significant gaps remain, particularly among younger generations, highlighting the need for continued efforts to address societal tensions and perceptions.
