International Women's Day
ACCELERATE ACTION
Advancing and Celebrating Women’s Equality Worldwide
International Women's Day is a global occasion to honour the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide. The day also serves as a call to action for accelerating gender equality and women's empowerment across the globe.
Each year, International Women's Day (IWD) follows a central theme, which guides its celebrations and focuses on specific areas where change is necessary. The theme for 2025 is Accelerate Action which calls for a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive, where difference is valued and celebrated.
Since 1911, IWD has celebrated women’s achievements and raised awareness about discrimination, recognising the progress made and acknowledging the work that remains.
We asked clinic partners and brands to share experiences and stories about inspirational women and how they support equality.
Hannah Biggerstaff, Head Of Product at Medik8
"At Medik8, we believe in the power of science to drive progress—and that includes fostering gender equality in the industries we love. For International Women’s Day 2025, we’re proud to celebrate the theme ‘Accelerate Action for Gender Equality’ by spotlighting our work with Stemette Futures, an inspiring social enterprise committed to empowering underrepresented talent in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths (STEAM).
As a scientist-founded skincare brand, we’re passionate about championing diversity in STEAM fields, which have historically been male-dominated. Through our partnership with Stemette Futures, we’re funding industry-recognised STEAM certifications for young women and non-binary individuals, helping to open doors for the next generation of innovators, scientists, and leaders.
Science is for everyone, says Hannah Biggerstaff, Head Of Product at Medik8, as a woman in skincare formulation, I’ve experienced firsthand the importance of diverse perspectives in driving innovation. By working with Stemette Futures, we’re ensuring that future leaders in STEAM fields reflect the diversity of the world they serve.
Our commitment doesn’t stop there. Through our Make an Impact program, every purchase on our UK website allows customers to choose a cause they care about most—from supporting Stemette Futures to advancing critical research with Wellbeing of Women or reimagining urban spaces with Trees for Cities. Together, we’re accelerating meaningful change, one small step at a time."
Mari Carmen González, R&D Director of mesoestetic®
"Gender equality in the scientific field is not just a matter of social justice but also a critical driver for scientific and technological progress. Numerous studies have shown that gender diversity in research teams leads to greater creativity, innovation and higher quality scientific output.
Recognising and socially showcasing the work of women is essential to creating role models for younger generations. It’s clear that girls are unlikely to pursue fields they aren’t exposed to or familiar with.
At mesoestetic®, we have been committed to sharing scientific knowledge for over 35 years through entrepreneurship programs and training sessions aimed at young students. These initiatives seek to promote access to education in scientific fields and empower women’s roles in science."
EMPOWERING WOMEN IN THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY: MY PERSONAL COMMITMENT TO CHANGE
Tania Ali, Director of Melbourne Skin Boutique
"As the owner of Melbourne Skin and Melbourne Skin Academy, I’ve seen firsthand how the beauty industry can be a powerful catalyst for personal transformation. For me, empowering women in this industry isn’t just about providing services—it’s about creating a space where women can thrive, grow, and realise their fullest potential.
When I first started my journey, I saw a world of opportunity in beauty, but I also saw the challenges many women face in a competitive, fast-paced industry. I knew that if we could build a community of support, mentorship, and education, we could help women not only succeed, but excel—becoming leaders, innovators, and business owners who feel confident in their own skin.
At Melbourne Skin, it’s not just about the treatments we offer; it’s about the people who make it all happen. We believe that empowering women begins with giving them the tools to grow—whether it’s advanced skincare knowledge, business strategies, or simply the encouragement to believe in themselves. Through Melbourne Skin Academy, I’ve made it my mission to create a space where women can come together, learn, and challenge themselves to reach new heights.
What inspires me most is seeing women transform not only in their careers but in their lives. Whether it’s a student finishing a course and launching her own beauty business or a team member stepping into a leadership role, these moments of growth remind me why this work is so important. It’s about more than just skills; it’s about confidence, independence, and the realisation that women are capable of anything.
My goal is simple: to lift other women up. I want every woman who walks through our doors—whether as a client, student, or team member—to leave feeling stronger, more capable, and more empowered than when they arrived. Because when women feel empowered, they don’t just change their own lives— they change the world around them. And that’s the true power of beauty."
ACCELERATE ACTION FOR GENDER EQUALITY: HOW YL SUPPORTS AND ELEVATES WOMEN’S CAREERS
Dr Kate Jameson, Medical Director
The cosmetic industry is commonly characterised by long hours and challenging working conditions. However, Youth Lab is rewriting this narrative, particularly for working mothers. Their innovative approach ensures that motherhood is not a career barrier but a professional milestone to be celebrated and supported.
When their Team Manager, Reyenna Carter, interviewed for a Clinic Coordinator role in 2018, she was expecting a baby. Reyenna recalls being “nervous” that they wouldn't hire her as she would be due for maternity leave. Despite this, Reyenna stated that “they saw my potential and made me feel valued exactly as I was.”
Dr Kate’s substantial industry experience has motivated her passion for fostering the professional development of Youth Lab’s female employees. The vast majority of Youth Lab’s employees are women aged 20 to 40 and are at the dawn of promising careers. The company’s “culture first” hiring policy is backed by substantial investments in training and career enrichment.
"I started as a Clinic Coordinator and never imagined I'd become an Operations Manager," shares Brittany Gore. "Youth Lab offered me more than just a job. It’s given me a clear career path, and they’ve invested in my growth every step of the way."
Providing clear, achievable, and rewarding pathways for progression is a cornerstone of Youth Lab’s team management ethos. Transparent career projections and annual reviews prevent stagnation, with family-friendly options designed to offer flexibility and enriching opportunities for mothers returning to work.
Contract arrangements allow female doctors and nurses unprecedented autonomy over their hours and earnings. Notably, every practitioner who has taken maternity leave has returned to the team, working collaboratively with management to return to work at their own pace.
The clinic’s salary bands are deliberately transparent, protecting its female-led team from potential pay gaps. In contrast to cumulative work hours, progression metrics focus on individual experience, embodiment of company values, and per-client performance. This approach ensures women returning from maternity leave are positioned for continued growth.
Shade Skin Cancer Medicine represents the next chapter in its mission. Dr Emily Alfonsi and business partner, Dr Kate Jameson will maintain Youth Lab’s impeccable policies supporting women’s professional development. Dr Kate’s mentorship extends beyond clinical skills, encompassing business acumen and leadership development.
Through Shade Skin and Youth Lab, Dr Kate remains committed to lifting the standard of opportunities for young women in the industry, embodying the 2025 International Women’s Day theme of Accelerating Action for Gender Equality.
Q&A with Olivia Boyd-Smith, Founder of Par Olive
What inspired you to pursue a career in the beauty industry, and how did you begin your journey?
My teenage years were spent with my mother really emphasising the importance of SPF, a simple skincare regime, nutritious foods and lots of water for optimal skin health, and I think that paired with growing up as a ballerina really fuelled my love for all things beauty. As I have grown older (now in my 30's) I appreciate more and more the 360 approach to beauty and overall skin health.
In a competitive industry, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
So many challenges, but my passion is what leads me and lights me up every single day. We are now Australia's Number 1 Dermatologist recommended skin supplement, 100% Australian made, and our formulas are 100% traceable - meaning we have direct relationships with our suppliers, and source the highest quality ingredients from local farms all with clinically backed efficacy. The biggest challenge has truly been educating consumers, which is ongoing in such a convoluted industry. Our incredible partnerships with world leading Dermatologists and Skin Experts has been so valuable to provide in depth product knowledge and insights to empower consumers on their Ingestible Beauty journey.
Have there been any women or role models in your life who have inspired you or mentored you?
Too many to mention. I am so proud of the friends, family and mentors that I am surrounded by, and I would not be where I am today without them. First and foremost my mother, for inspiring me and leading me into the Cosmeceutical Industry. My dearest Stevie who is a driving force in the Par Olive business that I feel so grateful to work alongside, and then my industry Founders that I am constantly in awe of and inspired by: Neada Deters of LESSE, Eva Goicochea of Maude, Elaine Choi of Crown Affair that all normalise the ebbs and flows of entrepreneurship, and have been true supporters and dear friends along the journey.
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to build a career in beauty or business?
"It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan" - Eleanor Roosevelt. Follow your intuition, believe in yourself, and be so mindful of the people you surround yourself with. If I had listened to all of the people who told me all of the cons of starting a business, I wouldn't be where I am today. My role is not without its challenges (like every role in life) but I truly believe we "pick" our hard. I chose the hard of bearing the responsibility of running a global business, which is equally challenging and fulfilling, but I wouldn't want it any other way.
How important is it for women to support and uplift each other?
Truly the most important. There is enough for everyone, and once you embody that energy, and uplift those around you, the world and the people around you will open up in the most beautiful way imaginable, I promise you.
What has been your proudest achievement?
Growing a leading Australian Ingestible Beauty business with integrity, and keeping the brand 100% Australian made. I am so proud to be Australian, and feel so honoured to support our local manufacturers, suppliers and specialty Dermatology and Skin Clinics.
These key relationships, paired with our incredible Par Olive community fills my cup every day, and makes any challenging day so worth it.
