Women are a powerful force for change.

On International Women’s Day, women and men across the globe come together to recognize inequalities and celebrate the achievements of women. This day has been observed for over 100 years—the first International Women’s Day was celebrated in 1911 by more than one million people, and the day was officially recognized by the United Nations in 1975. It’s now marked around the world and celebrated by countless people, organizations, governments and brands.

Women hold half of the potential human capital in any economy. More than half a billion women have joined the world’s workforce over the past 30 years. A recent McKinsey Global Institute study found that global GDP could increase by US$12 trillion by 2025 by advancing women’s equality.

Women also represent more than 50% of accounting graduates entering the profession over the last 20 years. But the percentage of women in leadership roles throughout accounting and finance are much lower. It’s clear that there is still progress to be made, although much of it will be built upon by the pioneers we have right before us today.

At IFAC, International Women’s Day is not only today, it is every day. The accounting profession has been transformed by women. They have changed the way we lead, the way we manage resources, and the way we innovate. The diversity that women bring to the table will continue to yield benefits for accounting and businesses in the years to come.

As we celebrate today, it is important to recognize that everyone is united by an eagerness to learn from each other, share ideas, and explore how we can continue to progress in an age of new technologies and rapidly emerging business opportunities.

We invite you to watch and listen to the perspectives of global thought leaders by clicking the video below. Together, when we are empowered, we are unstoppable. Let us continue to #PressforProgress today, and every day.