Summit Seeks to #Accelerate Action

Much of the following article was first published on the International Women's Day website. It is being shared here with AOTC readers interested in empowering women in the pulp, paper, and packaging industries or in attending the upcoming TAPPI WIN Women's Summit on Monday, October 20.

 

If you're a social media maven, over the past few months you may have noticed the hashtag #AccelerateAction—but what does it mean for the forest products industry, and where did it begin?

 

International Women's Day 2025 took "Accelerate Action" as its theme and WIN—TAPPI's Women in Industry Division—brought it to the pulp, paper, and packaging industry with events and programs throughout the year. The culmination of this theme arrives this month, as WIN gears up for its annual TAPPI Women's Summit. Organizers promise a powerful, action-focused event designed to empower, educate, and accelerate women and others across the forest products industries. This event will take place on Monday, October 20, 2025 in Savannah, GA. It will be co-located with TAPPI's Corr Expo event.

 

Under this year’s #AccelerateAction theme, the Summit will bring together professionals at all career stages for a high-energy day of learning, leadership, and connection. From insightful discussions to interactive sessions, attendees will gain practical strategies they can immediately apply to their careers and personal growth. 

 

 

Why "Accelerate Action"?

 

International Women's Day chose "Accelerate Action" as a compelling 2025 theme because it emphasizes the urgency of making faster, more effective strides toward gender equality. The IWD website offers the following seven reasons why it resonates so well; AOTC editors have added why it's so important for the pulp and paper industry in particular.


  1. Progress is too slow.

 

Despite decades of effort, gender inequality remains deeply entrenched in many societies. In areas like economic participation, political representation, and combating gender-based violence, progress has been slow. To "Accelerate Action" means to move beyond ineffective practice and implement meaningful changes for bold, decisive action that positively impacts gender equality.

 

The forest products industry is notoriously male-dominated—not a great way to project a modern, future-forward industry.

 

  1. Addressing global setbacks.

 

In recent years, events like the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected women, particularly in terms of job losses, increased unpaid caregiving burdens, and heightened domestic violence. "Accelerate Action" signals that urgent and coordinated measures are necessary to recover lost ground and ensure women are not left behind in the post-pandemic recovery.

 

For the pulp and paper industry, workforce challenges mean that being about to attract women to work in our manufacturing centers, customer centers, research labs and headquarters offices is more critical than ever.

 

  1. Inspiring momentum for change.

 

IWD's #AccelerateAction campaign focus encourages activism and engagement at all levels—political, corporate, and grassroots—motivating individuals, governments, and organizations to take concrete steps toward gender equality. It empowers those who are already working toward gender justice and calls on those who have been passive to join the movement.

 

For TAPPI's WIN Division, this has always meant welcoming men, young professionals, and students to join in its powerful leadership programming. Activism requires support and allyship.

 

  1. Tackling structural inequalities.

 

"Accelerate Action" pushes for the dismantling of systemic barriers that perpetuate inequality, such as unequal pay, limited access to education, and under-representation in leadership. It encourages reforms in institutions and policies, creating a sense of urgency around addressing deep-rooted biases and outdated systems.

 

As increasing numbers of young women enter pulp and paper engineering programs at "paper schools" around the country, correcting structural inequalities provides more attractive career paths that help retain these bright young women.

 

  1. Focus on impactful solutions.

 

With the rise of global movements like #MeToo and women’s advocacy around climate action, the world is more aware of gender injustices. The theme calls for moving from awareness to action, focusing on measurable outcomes and long-term solutions rather than short-term, superficial changes.

 

The forest products industry has a global scope and scale. Its future as a world player depends on its ability to maintain a culture of progress, including #AcceleratingAction to correct gender injustices. 

 

  1. Inclusivity and intersectionality.

 

Accelerating action means recognizing that gender inequality affects different women in different ways—whether due to race, ethnicity, disability, socioeconomic status or further aspects. The campaign focus emphasizes the need for an intersectional approach, ensuring that all women, particularly those most marginalized, benefit from the progress made.

 

Workforce diversity of all kinds supports innovation—the fuel for growth in the forest products industry.

 

  1. A timely call for accountability.

 

The campaign focus serves as a powerful reminder that time is running out to meet global gender priorities. "Accelerate Action" holds institutions accountable, urging them to deliver on their commitments with greater speed and efficiency.

 

In essence, "Accelerate Action" is a call for urgency, inclusion, and transformative change. It signals that equality cannot wait, and that all sectors of society—including global manufacturing industries like pulp, paper, and packaging—must work together to quicken the pace of progress.

 

 

The 2025 Women's Summit Needs YOU!

 

WIN invites YOU to attend this year's Women's Summit in Savannah. There, you will:

  • Connect with an inspiring community of women and allies.
  • Learn from trailblazers and industry leaders.
  • Gain tools to lead with confidence and create real impact.
  • Walk away with actionable takeaways—not just ideas.

 

Speakers at the 2025 Women's Summit will include:

 

  • Lu Athnos, Regional Sales Manager, ABB 
  • Sarah Dale, Plant General Manager, International Paper 
  • April Whitson, Division Head of HR, Process Industries, ABB 

 

#AccelerateAction is about moving beyond inspiration to bold, tangible steps that drive real change in careers, industries, and communities. Whether you’re just starting out or stepping into your next leadership role, the TAPPI Women’s Summit is your moment to step forward, speak up, and spark change. Mark your calendar and come ready to #AccelerateAction. Click below to learn more—and see you in Savannah!

 

Register for 2025 Women's Summit

Monday, October 20, 11am - 5pm

Westin Hotel – Harbor Ballroom A/B

Savannah, GA

Cost for Summit only: TAPPI Members, US$225; Non-members, US$300

Discounts for students and CorrExpo attendees!

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