In looking at how things evolve and how decision makers mature into new realities that encompass new logic and practices, over the past 10 years, we’ve seen placement of women in positions of responsibility increase by 32% and the number of female executives abroad increase by 8%, regardless of family responsibilities.

However, I believe that change starts with us. Now is the time to operate in line with our vision, without the restrictions that we sometimes subconsciously impose upon ourselves. The confidence with which we claim opportunities, take up challenges, and test our limits shapes practices that will help us gain the space we deserve.

A KPMG global survey of 2,900 women aged 24 to 65 found that 67% of women want more support to build the confidence they needed to take managerial roles, 86% feel that seeing mothers in leading roles was important in boosting their confidence, and 76% would like to mentor other women to be more confident in the workplace.

However, there are still many areas where we as women should focus our efforts, finding ways to further develop our networking skills; openly communicate our thoughts by participating in articles, forums, etc.; and assume roles and become active in business areas that we have so far been hesitant to engage in.

The majority of respondents agreed: We shouldn’t wait for someone else to come along and nudge us toward progress. This can help, but ultimately it all starts with us.

Like the French proverb says, “Every change is a door that can only be opened from inside.”