This edition of Leadership Inspired is deeply personal to me. It is about women in leadership, but more than that, it is about what it takes for women to step into their full power and potential.

Women do not lack talent, drive, or ambition. What they lack is a system that truly supports them — a system that understands that life happens to young women in ways it does not for men. Marriage, motherhood, caregiving, endless social expectations — indeed, at every stage, women are expected to adjust, sacrifice, and place themselves last. I know this all too well. As a young woman in my thirties, I had prioritised family over myself. Now, I wish I had done both.

This is why we created The ILSS Emerging Women’s Leadership Program (EWLP). It is not just a leadership program; it is a transformative space for women to reclaim their voices, make choices, and build lives on their own terms. I have witnessed women who once doubted themselves now owning their stories, making bold decisions, and shaping the future — not just for themselves but for their families and communities. When women are guided by incredible mentors, supported by a strong scaffolding network, and given the tools to lead, the impact is far-reaching, and it fills me with hope for the future of women’s leadership.

What started as a mere idea has now grown into something far beyond what I could have imagined. It is no longer just a program — it is a movement, a collective force that is driving change.

As we celebrate changemakers, we also reflect on the persistent barriers that hold women back. This issue is a tribute to every woman who has been told she cannot lead. It is a celebration of courage, ambition, and the unshakeable belief that women belong at every table where decisions are made.  It is a jubilant celebration of the fire within us — a fire that, once lit, can never be dimmed. Let us take pride in the achievements of women in leadership and let it inspire us to strive for more.

I hope this edition inspires in our readers deep reflection and compassionate understanding, and reminds us of the power we hold when we lift each other up. We must reaffirm that women’s progress is not just a women’s issue — it is a collective responsibility, a duty we all share. If we are to be the best version of ourselves as a nation, we must ensure that women have the opportunities, the recognition, and the respect they deserve.

This is our time. This is our legacy.