International Women’s Day is that time of year when the women of this world get a whole entire day dedicated to gender equality, and this year it was about pushing for progress in the work place. Excuse me if I’m a little jaded, but after a series of interviews with young professional women trying to crack the glass ceiling and secure leadership positions, it seems their dreams are somewhat a pie in the sky, as their challenges keep increasing.

Sheryl Sandberg is the chief operating officer of Facebook and founder of the women’s non-profit Lean In Foundation

Abuse towards women is rife in Silicon Valley’s macho culture. Meanwhile just 7 per cent of cash goes directly towards women-led startups based in the main US IT hub. So, why aren’t women a larger driving force in Tech?

Despite progress on other fronts, woman worldwide still earn less than men – in Germany its 21 percent less. What are the reasons for the wage gap, and when will it finally be closed? Watch the video here!

When I take a look around the world on “International Women’s Day” I am filled with horror.  Millions of my fellow women are fighting for sheer survival. Fighting for a life free from permanent violence, free from fear of their male surroundings. Fighting for an independent existence on a par with the male part of the population. And they are doing all this without much real hope of immediate success.

Women’s Day isn’t much of a thing in Germany. This is a pity considering that the holiday is the perfect occasion to highlight how far the country has come – and what still needs to change in terms of gender equality.

International Women’s Day celebrates women’s achievements while calling for gender equality. See how women perform in jobs that are often still considered “men’s jobs” and what they have to say.