Female CEOs, thought leaders, students, and government officials on Tuesday took part in the third annual International Women’s Day at the Indiana Government Center.

The free event, co-sponsored by Asian American Alliance and Indiana Commission for Women, was touted as a safe space for women and girls to network and propel their careers forward.

Event chair and organizer Rupal Thanawala wanted to assure women could access the resources. “The conversations are really going to inspire and empower women by giving them access to information.”

Women spoke about interrupting business as usual by being persistent in the face of failure and reaching out to diverse mentorship. There was huge conversation on sponsorships, by having allies who can advocate for you when you’re not in the room.

Thirty businesses and organizations puts their products and services on exhibit at the event.

Barriers prevent women from achieving equality. Women make up 50% of the U.S. population, but according to speakers at Tuesday’s conference, they only make up 30% of CEOs and business leaders. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, for every dollar a man makes, a woman only makes 83 cents.

The event was an opportunity to speak to the inequalities women face daily and hear from other women who overcame them.

International Women’s Day will be Saturday, but the leaders encouraged women and girls to celebrate and empower each other all month long.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.