Another International Women’s Day rolls around, and with it, a flood of well-meaning LinkedIn posts, panel discussions, and corporate shoutouts about the importance of women in leadership. But beyond the hashtags and celebratory dinners, the real question remains: are women in business actually breaking barriers, or just breaking a sweat trying to prove themselves?

Our recent MENA Women in Business Survey pulled back the curtain on what it takes for women to climb the corporate ladder in the region. Spoiler alert: It’s not just about working hard. It’s about working hard while dodging outdated mindsets, unnecessary guilt trips, and the ever-persistent question, “But who’s watching your kids?”

Confidence Over Compassion?

One of our key findings was that confidence is the golden ticket to success. A whopping 68% of women said that self-assurance, planning, and communication skills got them to the top. Meanwhile, only 15% saw empathy as crucial in business. That’s not to say empathy isn’t valuable—just that it often takes a backseat to the ability to hold your ground in a boardroom full of men who have never been asked about their work-life balance.

So, what sets apart the women who actually make it to the top? Focusing on what distinguishes the 7% of women who ascend to the highest levels of corporate leadership, our research shows that beyond confidence, they also have the ability to drive systemic change within their organizations. They aren’t just leading businesses—they’re reshaping them from the inside out.

Women Helping Women (And Themselves)

Good news: Women in leadership are actively pushing for change. A solid 69% of them have the authority to implement policies that bring more women into management. And 66% see themselves as role models, proving that the “you can’t be what you can’t see” mantra is more than just a catchy phrase—it’s a movement.

But let’s be honest: It’s not all smooth sailing. Gender bias and pay gaps are still major roadblocks. Women are making it to the C-suite, but they’re still making less than their male counterparts. The math isn’t mathing.

Work-Life Balance? More Like Work-Life Juggling

If you think women in leadership have mastered work-life balance, think again. As one CEO we interviewed put it, “Some days, you neglect your kids. Some days, you neglect work. It’s about juggling, not balancing.” The truth is, businesses still expect women to mold their careers around their personal lives rather than creating environments where they can thrive in both.

The Bottom Line: More Action, Less Talk

On International Women’s Day, companies will talk about gender diversity. But real change isn’t about panel discussions—it’s about policies. Flexible work arrangements, equal pay, mentorship programs, and boardroom representation aren’t just “nice to have.” They’re essential for businesses that want to thrive in a market where women control 75% of discretionary spending.

So, this International Women’s Day, let’s ask ourselves: is the business world finally ready for women to lead without compromise? The data says progress is happening. But if we really want to break barriers (instead of just breaking a sweat), we need more than inspiration—we need action.