IWD 2026
11th March 2026
Alice Hamid
To mark International Women’s Day, we sat down with Laura Ablett, Executive Director at Walnut, part of Accenture Song, to talk about the importance of recognising women in the workplace, the role of women in research, and what this day represents for Walnut as a business and a community.
Laura, why is recognising women in the workplace still such an important conversation today?
“Recognition is about more than visibility, it’s about value. Women have always contributed incredible thinking, leadership, and creativity in the workplace, but that contribution hasn’t always been acknowledged equally. When we actively recognise women’s work, we’re saying that those perspectives matter, that they shape outcomes, and that they belong at every level of decision making.
Recognition also has a ripple effect. When people see others like them being valued, it builds confidence and a sense of possibility, which is incredibly powerful for individuals, teams, and organisations alike.”
Walnut is a research led business. What does “women in research” mean to you?
“It means two things. First, it’s about women as researchers, as experts, analysts, strategists, and storytellers who shape how insight is generated, interpreted, and translated into action. Research is not neutral; it’s driven by human judgement. Having women in those roles directly influences the questions we ask, the signals we notice, and the conclusions we draw.
Second, it’s about women’s perspectives being embedded into the work we do for clients. Brands don’t exist in a vacuum, they exist in people’s lives. If women’s lived experiences aren’t represented in research, brands risk missing nuance, relevance, and opportunity.”
Why are women’s perspectives so critical when it comes to research and insight for brands?
“Because women experience the world and brands, in distinct and often underrepresented ways. From healthcare and finance to retail, technology, and media, women are not a niche audience; they’re a majority influence on decision making.
When women’s perspectives are present in research design and interpretation, you get richer insight. You uncover emotional drivers, social contexts, and behavioural tensions that might otherwise be overlooked. That leads to better strategies, more resonant creativity, and brands that feel genuinely human rather than performative.
It’s also about recognising that insight isn’t just data, it’s also about interpretation. Women often bring different emotional intelligence, contextual awareness, and empathy to research analysis, which is invaluable when helping brands navigate complexity and change.”
What does International Women’s Day mean for Walnut, part of Accenture Song – The human understanding agency?
“International Women’s Day is a reminder that inclusion directly impacts quality of thinking, of work, and of outcomes. For Walnut, it reinforces our responsibility to build research that reflects the real world, not just parts of it.
It’s also a moment to recognise the women shaping our work behind the scenes, designing studies, leading client conversations, mentoring others, and pushing the discipline forward. Their contribution doesn’t just deserve celebration; it deserves sustained investment.”
What advice would you give to women building a career in research?
“Trust your perspective. Especially when it challenges the default. Research thrives on curiosity and courage, and asking different questions is often where the most valuable insight sits.
I’d also say: don’t underestimate the power of your interpretation. Data tells a story, but people give it meaning. Your viewpoint, your instincts, and your lived experience are not biases to erase, they’re actually strengths to use responsibly.”
Finally, what does International Women’s Day mean to you personally?
“It’s about recognising progress while staying honest about what’s left to do.
I’m lucky to have grown up with strong female role models, including my mum as a headmistress and business owner and I’m grateful for the many women I’ve worked with throughout my career, who I’ve looked up to. They have all helped form my belief that being a woman is a strength and brings different perspectives to what can be achieved. I’d also like to raise a glass to those women who are continuing to shape Walnut and the incredible work we do.”
International Women’s Day isn’t a finish line, it’s more like a checkpoint. At Walnut, our aim is to create a workplace and a body of work where women’s contributions are visible, valued, and influential every day, not just on one date in the calendar.
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