Newsletter: Accelerate Action: Driving Meaningful Change for Women in Southeast Asia

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]

By Verena Siow, President and Managing Director, SAP Southeast Asia

As we mark International Women’s Day, this year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” deeply resonates with me. To me, this theme reinforces the notion that we must take urgent and proactive actions to drive gender equity and parity. It also aligns with one of my personal mantras: “Accelerate to Innovate.” Just as businesses must embrace bold, decisive action to drive meaningful innovation, we must do the same to advance gender equity.

Change is often perceived as a gradual process. But while it is true that change does not take place overnight, every little step we take in accelerating action unlocks new possibilities. In Southeast Asia, I've seen firsthand how equipping women with the right skills, access, and support can create extraordinary outcomes.

At SAP, our commitment to inclusion goes beyond policies; it’s about empowering women to lead, innovate, and shape the future. Nearly 50% of our workforce in Southeast Asia is female, and 43.3% of leadership roles are held by women. As of January 2025, 50% of our country managing directors in Southeast Asia are women, and my goal is to also achieve 50% of women in leadership roles so that more women have a seat at the table when it comes to decision making. These figures reflect what’s possible when diversity is prioritized, not just discussed.

Yet, barriers remain. Systemic biases still slow progress, from unequal access to leadership opportunities to deeply ingrained stereotypes. The World Economic Forum estimates that at the current pace, full gender parity will not be achieved for another 134 years — a timeline we cannot accept.

To truly accelerate progress, three actions are critical:

1. Sponsorship over mentorship. Women need not just mentorship but advocates—leaders who actively open doors, champion careers, and create opportunities.
2. Equal access to leadership tracks. High-impact projects and decision-making roles must be accessible to women at all levels, ensuring a stronger pipeline for future leadership.
3. A redefinition of leadership. Success is not just about traditional leadership traits like aggressiveness; it’s about diverse perspectives, emotional intelligence, and inclusivity. Organizations that embrace this perform better and retain top talent.

Innovation does not happen by waiting. It happens by taking action, challenging norms, and accelerating change. Just as we push the boundaries of technology, we must do the same for equity, opportunity, and leadership. The reality is clear: diversity drives better decisions, stronger businesses, and more resilient economies. The question is no longer “why” we need to act, but how much quicker we can make change happen.

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