Accelerate Action

This year, International Women’s Day calls on us to "Accelerate Action"—to push forward, uplift, and create meaningful change for gender equality. But action isn’t always about grand gestures; sometimes, it’s in the quiet, steady presence of those who support, inspire, and challenge us to grow.

Today, I want to take a moment to honor three extraordinary women who have played a profound role in my life. Their friendship—whether through encouragement, leadership, or simply showing up—is a testament to the power we all have to make a difference.

Maggy Peeters

Maggy and I met during our university years—she in Chapter Brussels, I in Antwerp. From the very start, our friendship was built on shared experiences, laughter, and a deep understanding of each other. Over the past 24 years, that bond has only strengthened.

While many of our peers settled into family life early on, Maggy and I took a different path, starting our own families later. Yet, no matter where life has taken us, our friendship has remained constant. Even after I moved abroad nearly 15 years ago, we’ve made it a priority to see each other whenever I’m home—whether that’s two or three times a year or just a quick catch-up over tea.

We’ve shared incredible adventures, from skiing in the Alps to exploring the streets of Zurich, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Kenya, and New York. Maggy juggles career and family life with impressive grace. Her passion for events and customer service has seen her thrive at the American Chambers of Commerce, while my own career at DHL has given us common ground to share challenges, including the ever-present 'mum guilt.'

Maggy Peeters , you are a powerhouse, and I treasure every moment of our friendship.

Margit Takács

Margit and I have crossed paths in many places, but it was in Brussels that I truly got to know her. Her driven, goal-oriented mindset has always been inspiring. She’s the author of Change Matters, a book that gave me the push I needed to embark on my own writing journey—a process that hasn’t always been easy, but one where she’s been a constant source of encouragement.

I’ll never forget our walk around Lake Geneva, where I got a glimpse of her well-organised life. Even though we don’t see each other often, her words and insights continue to guide me.

Margit Takacs , your support, wisdom, and determination have made all the difference.

Siddhi

Twelve years ago, Siddhi welcomed me with open arms in Dubai, and from that moment, she has been a pillar of strength in my life. Her warmth, honesty, and unfailing reliability have meant the world to me.

I still smile when I think about those early days, with Siddhi driving me to work in her trusty old Honda—a car that, remarkably, she still drives today! Over the years, I’ve watched her career evolve, moving from an HR business partner to a strategic leader managing compensation, benefits, and digitalization.

But beyond the professional sphere, Siddhi is so much more—my creative sounding board, my trusted business confidante, and an incredible mother to two wonderful sons. She’s proof that it is possible to balance a thriving career with family life, and she does it with a level of poise that is truly admirable.

Siddhi Pratap , thank you for always being there and for reflecting back the best version of me when I needed it most.

To the Women Who Inspire Us

Today, I celebrate these remarkable women—Maggy, Margit, and Siddhi—their friendship continues to shape my journey.

Let’s take a moment to honor the incredible women in our own lives, recognizing their impact—not just in the grand, defining moments, but in the quiet, everyday ways they uplift and support us.

Who are the women that have inspired you? Let’s celebrate them together.