I was born and raised in Spain at the tail end of Franco’s dictatorship, a time when traditional gender roles were deeply ingrained in society. As a little girl—just three years old—I decided I wanted to be a boy. Not because I disliked being a girl, but because even then, I could see that boys had it easier.
I was a huge tomboy, climbing trees, playing rough, and rejecting anything that felt remotely “girly.” I carried this identity well into my teenage years because I perceived that boys had more freedom, more opportunities, and, frankly, a better deal in life.
And in many ways, I wasn’t wrong.
Even as the world has come a long way in including more women in leadership roles, we still have work to do. The fight for equality isn’t just about having a seat at the table—it’s about changing the rules of the game so that women don’t have to fight twice as hard just to be seen, heard, and valued.
Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities, Equal Future
Women make up half of the world’s population, yet we are still fighting for equal pay, equal opportunities, and policies that support us through life’s major transitions.
• The gender pay gap still exists. Women globally earn about 20% less than men for the same work.
• Leadership roles are still male-dominated. Women hold only 10% of CEO positions in Fortune 500 companies.
• Women are often penalized for motherhood. Paid maternity leave is still inadequate or nonexistent in many countries, forcing women to choose between their careers and their families. (Listen to this podcast episode to dive deeper into this important conversation.)
And yet, we know that when women are economically empowered, everyone benefits. Studies show that women reinvest up to 90% of their earnings back into their families and communities, compared to just 30 to 40% among men. That’s not just an economic stat—that’s a game-changer for societies worldwide.
Strength, Resilience, and Grace – The Evolution of Women’s Roles
Growing up in a male-dominated environment—my father had seven brothers and just one sister—I saw firsthand how the world often revolved around men. But something remarkable has happened in the next generation of our family.
My daughter’s generation? It’s been about 80% girls born on that side of the family. It’s almost as if nature itself is making a correction, ensuring that the future belongs to the women who will shape it.
And shape it they will.
Women today are leading businesses, running countries, and breaking barriers in every industry. We have female astronauts, CEOs, scientists, and political leaders. Yet, for every woman who shatters a glass ceiling, there are millions more still struggling for basic recognition and fair treatment.
We’ve come a long way from the world I was born into, but the journey isn’t over.
Break Barriers, Build Futures – What Still Needs to Change
If we truly want a world where women and girls can thrive, we need to do more than just talk about equality—we need to take action.
• Increased paid maternity leave. Women should not have to sacrifice financial stability for motherhood. Countries with generous maternity leave policies see higher female workforce participation and stronger economies.
• Flexible work options. Women shouldn’t have to choose between being caregivers and having careers. Companies that offer flex hours, hybrid work, and childcare support see higher productivity and employee retention.
• Support for key transitions. Pregnancy, menopause, and caregiving responsibilities shouldn’t derail women’s careers. We need workplace policies that support women through every stage of life, not just when they’re at their peak productivity.
Women’s progress is human progress. When we remove the barriers holding women back, society as a whole moves forward.
Together We Rise: Women Supporting Women
One of the most powerful forces in the world is women lifting each other up. For too long, society has pitted women against one another, making us feel like there are only a few spots available for success. That narrative is outdated and destructive.
True empowerment comes when we:
• Mentor and uplift younger women. Teach them that they don’t have to fit into outdated molds to succeed.
• Advocate for policy changes. Push for laws that protect and support women in the workplace and beyond.
• Celebrate each other. There is no competition when we all win together.
We are not just breaking glass ceilings—we are building entire new spaces where women don’t have to ask for permission to lead.
To the Women Who Came Before Me – I Honor You
I stand here today because of the strong women who came before me—my mother, my grandmothers, my sister, and all the women in my lineage—who laid the foundation for the life I get to lead today.
They endured struggles I will never fully understand. They fought battles I will never have to fight. They put up with things I haven’t had to because they paved the way for me to step forward and lead.
To all the women in my lineage: I thank you. I honor your resilience, your sacrifices, and your unwavering strength. I know you would be proud. And I hold deep gratitude for the road you carved so that I could walk it with greater ease.
May we make this path even better for our daughters and the next generation of incredible women. May they rise higher, dream bigger, and never doubt their place in the world.
To the Women Reading This: I Celebrate You
I know what it feels like to look at the world and think, “It would be easier if I were a man.” I felt that as a child. I carried that belief into my teenage years.
But today, I know that being a woman is a privilege, a strength, and a superpower.
So today, if you are a woman, I honor you. I celebrate your resilience, your courage, your ability to show up despite the challenges. I see the battles you fight, the dreams you chase, and the impact you make.
And I invite you to celebrate the women in your life—your mothers, daughters, sisters, friends, mentors. Send this to them. Lift them up. Let them know they matter.
We’ve come a long way, and together, we will go even further.
The future is ours to shape.
To your success and abundance!
Tania
P.S. Don’t miss out on early bird pricing for the Increase Your Income and Impact event taking place April 3-5th. Last in Person event!!. Reserve your spot here before it’s gone!
