International Women’s Day 2025: Members Unite to Accelerate Gender Equality in Accounting

On 13 March 2025, AGN International and its collaborative alliance, Nexia, hosted a virtual event to mark International Women’s Day 2025 under the theme: Let’s Accelerate Action for Women’s Equality.

The event brought together industry leaders, experts, and early-career professionals to discuss practical strategies to support gender equality in accounting firms. 

With over 200 participants, over two sessions to accommodate global time differences, the event focused on key issues surrounding gender parity in the accounting sector. While nearly half of all qualified accountants are women, only 20% occupy senior leadership roles — a stark reminder of the need for deliberate, strategic change.

According to data from the World Economic Forum, full gender equality is projected to take until 2158 at the current pace. 

Strategies for Change: Insights from the Event

Discussions centred around actionable strategies for achieving gender equality, with a focus on both large and small firms. Key takeaways included: 

• From Compliance to AI-Driven Advisory: Future accountants must transition from compliance officers to AI-powered consultants, with AGN offering members resources like the AGN Migration Methodology and Advisory Resource Center.
  
  
• Mentorship Programs: Encouraging top-down and bottom-up approaches to support women’s growth and leadership. 
  
  
• Bias-Free Recruitment: Implementing transparent hiring processes and addressing unconscious bias. 
  
  
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Promoting work-life balance by supporting families with childcare responsibilities.
  
   
• Gender Equality for Small Firms: Establishing gender-neutral policies, equal pay structures, and internal Gender Equity Committees, all without requiring significant financial investment. 

International Women’s Day 2025 Panelists:

Jacqueline Butler – COO, Nexia Sydney, Australia (Nexia)
Davinia Joannidou – Director, Joannides & Co, Cyprus (AGN)
Aradhna Budhram – Senior Audit Manager, Levitt Kirson, South Africa (Nexia)
Shweta Khara – Partner, Vika Kochhar, India (AGN)
Cheryl Talerico – Director of Marketing, Sisterson & Co. LLP, United States (AGN)
Kim Kilkenney – Principal and Chief People Officer, CohnReznick, United States (Nexia)
Felix Espíritu – President, Fintax Consulting, Dominican Republic (AGN)
Mishkin Santa – Principal, The Wolf Group, United States (Nexia)

Participant, Félix J. Espíritu, CEO at AGN Member Firm Fintax Consulting was inspired by this special event, and shared his goals in 2026: 

Equality & Inclusion Policy: Clear hiring, promotions, and pay guidelines. 

Parental Leave Expansion: Up to 30 days for both parents.

Emerging Talent Inclusion: Internships, flexible work for students, and career development programs. 

Building Momentum: What’s Next 

In addition to thought-provoking panel discussions, the event included interactive polls and a focus on engagement. Organisers emphasised the importance of fostering an inclusive atmosphere by encouraging participants to share their locations in the chat and actively engage with one another. 

To build on the momentum, AGN International and Nexia are developing a co-branded toolkit summarising the event’s key insights, offering firms practical steps to accelerate gender equality in their own workplaces. 

Alongside the AGN and Nexia virtual event, AGN member firm Joannides+Co hosted an in-person International Women’s Day 2025 gathering. Committed to equal opportunities, the firm highlighted mentorship, flexible work, and gender-equal policies. Key initiatives include leadership role modelling, staff engagement committees, and community partnerships to improve childcare access—ensuring women thrive in their careers and personal lives. 

AGN International remains committed to driving gender equality and driving inclusive workplaces across its global association. By uniting members worldwide, the organisation aims to create a stronger, more supportive community—accelerating progress and ensuring the accounting profession remains innovative and representative. 

AGN members face an unprecedented challenge in staying ahead of their competition and living up to market expectations. At AGN, we refer to these matters as “The Member Agenda”. Click here to learn more.