International Women's Day (IWD) 2025 is a time to celebrate the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women across the world, including right here in Singapore. This year's theme, #AccelerateAction, calls for collective efforts toward gender equality and breaking down barriers that hinder women's advancement.

Singapore has seen remarkable women excel in diverse fields, from business and technology to healthcare and social activism. But what makes these women successful? Through extensive research, we’ve identified the top 10 attributes that define successful women in Singapore today.

 

1. Resilience in the Face of Challenges

Turning Adversity into Strength

Success rarely comes without obstacles. Singaporean women who have thrived in competitive industries exhibit resilience—the ability to bounce back from setbacks and emerge stronger.

• Stat: 68% of working women in Singapore report overcoming significant career challenges, such as gender bias or work-life balance struggles (SG-WEN 2025 Report).
• Many successful women have transitioned careers, navigated business failures, or returned to work after career breaks.

2. Lifelong Learning and Continuous Improvement

Staying Relevant in a Fast-Changing World

Singapore’s economy is evolving rapidly, and the most successful women embrace lifelong learning to stay competitive.

• Stat: Women who upskill regularly are 40% more likely to secure leadership positions (SkillsFuture Singapore 2024).
• Programs like SkillsFuture, Career Conversion Programmes, and SG-WEN mentorship initiatives help women stay ahead in their fields.

3. Confidence and Self-Belief

Breaking Barriers with Boldness

Confidence allows women to step into leadership roles, negotiate salaries, and challenge outdated gender norms. Many successful Singaporean women attribute their achievements to self-belief and perseverance.

• Stat: Studies show that women who advocate for themselves in salary negotiations earn 20% more than those who do not (MOM 2025 Report).
• Confidence is crucial in industries dominated by men, such as finance, technology, and engineering.

4. Strong Professional Networks

The Power of Connections

Networking plays a crucial role in career advancement. Women who cultivate professional relationships gain access to mentorship, business opportunities, and career growth.

• Stat: 75% of successful women in Singapore actively participate in networking events (LinkedIn Women in Leadership Survey 2025).
• Initiatives like NTUC's Company Mentorship Circle (CMC) provide mentorship and career guidance.

5. Adaptability and Innovation

Thriving in a Disruptive Economy

With AI and automation transforming industries, adaptability is key. Women who embrace change, adopt digital tools, and explore new career paths thrive in Singapore’s fast-paced environment.

• Stat: 60% of Singaporean women in leadership roles have successfully transitioned across industries (MOM 2025 Workforce Report).
• Example: Women entrepreneurs leveraging e-commerce, social media marketing, and digital payments to build successful businesses.

6. Work-Life Integration and Time Management

Balancing Career and Personal Responsibilities

Rather than seeking “work-life balance,” many successful women focus on work-life integration—finding ways to manage both professional ambitions and personal commitments effectively.

• Stat: 72% of professional women in Singapore use flexible work arrangements to enhance productivity and family time (MOM 2025 Study).
• Employers increasingly offer hybrid work options and parental leave policies to support working women.

7. Advocacy for Gender Equality

Lifting Others While Climbing the Ladder

Many successful women in Singapore mentor, advocate, and support policies that drive gender equality.

• Stat: 80% of women in leadership roles actively mentor younger women (SG-WEN 2025).
• Initiatives like UWS Accelerate Action, SG-WEN, and IWD Fundraising create platforms for advancing gender equity.

8. Emotional Intelligence and Empathy

Leading with Compassion and Understanding

Emotional intelligence (EQ) enables leaders to connect, influence, and inspire. Women with strong EQ excel in leadership because they can navigate workplace dynamics, manage teams effectively, and build strong relationships.

• Stat: Companies led by women with high emotional intelligence experience 15% higher employee satisfaction and retention (Harvard Business Review 2024).
• Women in HR, management, and healthcare roles excel due to their ability to lead with empathy.

9. Entrepreneurial Spirit and Risk-Taking

Building Businesses and Breaking Boundaries

Singapore is home to many successful women entrepreneurs who embrace risk-taking, innovation, and strategic decision-making.

• Stat: Women-led businesses in Singapore have grown by 30% over the past five years (Enterprise Singapore 2025 Report).
• Platforms like ShopSG and SuperStreamer empower women entrepreneurs in the digital marketplace.

10. Commitment to Personal Well-Being

Prioritising Mental and Physical Health

Burnout is a major challenge, and successful women make mental and physical well-being a priority.

• Stat: Women who invest in self-care and wellness programs report 35% higher productivity and job satisfaction (Health Promotion Board 2025).
• Examples include adopting fitness routines, mindfulness practices, and prioritising rest and recovery.

 

Conclusion: Celebrating Women, Driving Change

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, let’s honour the strength, resilience, and contributions of women in Singapore. The success of women in the workplace and beyond is not just a personal achievement—it is a step toward a more equitable and inclusive society.

At Reeracoen, we are committed to empowering women in the workforce by connecting them with meaningful career opportunities, mentorship, and professional development.

💜 Happy International Women’s Day 2025! Let’s #AccelerateAction for a brighter, more inclusive future! 💜

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References

1. Singapore Women Entrepreneurs Network (SG-WEN) Report 2025

2. Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Workforce Study 2025

3. SkillsFuture Singapore (SFS) Annual Report 2024

4. NTUC Job Market and Employment Survey 2025

5. Enterprise Singapore – Women in Business Growth Data 2025

6. LinkedIn Women in Leadership Survey 2025

7. Health Promotion Board (HPB) Work-Life Balance Study 2025

8. UWS Accelerate Action Initiative 2025

9. https://www.internationalwomensday.com/

10. https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/singapore/international-womens-day

11. https://uws.org.sg/iwd/

12. https://expatliving.sg/event/international-womens-day-celebration-2025-get-together/

13. https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Activity/15586/The-history-of-IWD

14. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Women%27s_Day