Balancing gender equality in business

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, MSc Business Analytics student, Rafaela Mauricio, discusses her journey to WBS and the power that women can bring to often male-dominated sectors.

It should never be a surprise that women are inherently creative. We are capable of redefining different aspects of life through innovation, vision, and resilience. From nurturing a child into the world to building a groundbreaking business, the act of creation is woven into our very being.

Women have always been at the forefront of transformation, and creation has always been a part of a woman’s language. International Women’s Day 2025 invites us to celebrate this power and to challenge the barriers that have long confined it.

Gender equality means having the freedom, as well as support to harness that creative energy without constraints. Every individual, regardless of gender, deserves equal opportunities to shape their destiny and contribute to the good of society. This principle is not just an abstract idea, I believe that it is essential for driving progress.

When we empower women, we tap into a wealth of ideas and diverse perspectives that fuel innovation and enrich our communities.

Growing up in the Philippines, I was taught by an empowering mother and a supportive father, that my voice mattered. Their guidance instilled in me the conviction that true success is measured not by conforming to societal expectations, but by daring to redefine them.

My journey to WBS

My journey has been shaped by moments of both challenges and triumphs. My time as a Management Consulting Associate gave me the opportunity to work on projects across diverse industries, which felt intimidating at first. Even in the demanding environment of consulting, the company and our teams made it a priority to provide opportunities for emerging women leaders and to ensure our voices were heard.

I vividly recall a project with pressing deadlines and stakeholder visits, an instance where effective communication and empathy became crucial. I initiated open discussions with my team and took initiative to organise the workflow and coordination, ensuring every voice was valued while balancing the delivery. By actively listening to concerns and offering support, we not only met our tight deadlines but also exceeded expectations.

As I transitioned to pursue my master’s degree at Warwick Business School in the UK, I encountered a new set of challenges. Moving abroad alone, navigating the delicate balance between honouring my cultural roots and embracing the independence of my new environment needed a period of adjustment. This is where I realised that identity is not a single story.

It is a tapestry of experiences that allows us to just be a nurturing daughter, an ambitious student, and a driven professional. I learned that I did not have to choose between these roles. Instead, I could integrate them into a multifaceted identity that empowers me to lead with both compassion and strength.

How to balance gender equality in the workplace

This year’s International Women’s Day 2025, Accelerate Action, resonates deeply with me. To accelerate action means to transform acknowledgment into tangible change.

It calls upon every individual, to dismantle outdated systems and create environments where women can thrive without compromise. In the business realm, this acceleration can take shape through policies that promote flexibility, transparent career progression, and equal pay for equal work.

Companies must invest in mentorship programs and leadership training that specifically address the unique challenges women face. When organisations commit to these initiatives, they not only close the gender gap but also unlock a reservoir of untapped potential that drives innovation and growth.

Gender parity and inclusivity are not just ethical imperatives, they can be perceived as strategic advantages. By embracing diversity, businesses benefit from a range of perspectives that can lead to more creative solutions and better decision-making.

When teams are encouraged to think creatively and challenge norms, they become more resilient and adaptive, qualities that are essential in today’s dynamic global market.

Advice for women in business

For anyone who has ever struggled with self-doubt or questioned their ability to achieve their goals, it is difficult, but trusting in your strengths will bring you far.

Allow yourself to exist as you are. You do not need to be the greatest in the world, striving to be 1% better every day to achieve your best self is more than enough. Your journey, with all its twists and turns, is a powerful testament to your resilience and creativity.

Every challenge you encounter is an opportunity to grow, and every setback is a stepping stone toward greater achievements. I have learned that confidence is something cultivated through persistence, self-reflection, and the courage to take risks.

Surround yourself with mentors and peers who uplift you and remember that your individuality is not a limitation but a source of unparalleled strength.

Let us commit to accelerating action, not only in boardrooms and classrooms but in every corner of our lives. By listening deeply, acting boldly, and believing in our uniqueness, we can transform challenges into stepping stones for lasting change, rather than band-aid solutions.

Together, we have the power to build a world where every woman’s voice is heard, and every ambition is nurtured, and dreams become realities.