Every year, International Women’s Day celebrates progress toward gender equality and reminds us of the work still ahead. The theme for IWD 2025, “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” emphasizes the need for an inclusive future where no one is left behind.

At GDSI, we take pride in being an inclusive, diverse, and forward-thinking company where women play a central role in shaping international development. With women leading and contributing across business development, project implementation, and technical expertise, GDSI is committed to fostering an environment where women thrive, lead, and drive meaningful change.

One of those voices belongs to Jacy Souza, a Business Developer at GDSI, whose journey from Brazil to Ireland is a testament to the transformative power of resilience, ambition, and adaptability. Her experience navigating different sectors and cultures has shaped her career in international development, where she now works on projects that create real impact across Europe, Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

A Leap of Faith: Moving Beyond Borders

Jacy’s path to international development was anything but conventional. After studying economics and working for a non-profit in Brazil, she realised that to expand her opportunities, she needed a stronger command of English. But learning a language in a classroom wasn’t enough—she needed full immersion.

“I knew that if I wanted to grow, I had to step outside my comfort zone,” Jacy recalls. “So, I moved to Ireland to learn English in a new environment and open doors to global opportunities.”

Once in Ireland, she immersed herself in language studies, later enrolling in a Master’s in Business Analytics to further develop her skills. What began as a personal challenge quickly evolved into a defining moment in her professional journey. As she neared the end of her studies, she sought opportunities where she could meaningfully apply her expertise in business, analytics, and project development.

Finding a Place in International Development

That’s when she came across GDSI, an international consultancy specialising in governance, economic growth, and sustainable development. The opportunity was exactly what she had been looking for—a chance to work in an international, impact-driven environment, contributing to projects that strengthen institutions, support economic empowerment, and foster global cooperation.

At GDSI, Jacy plays a key role in business development and project management. She supports the design of funding proposals, engages with international partners, and ensures the effective implementation of development initiatives.

“I love the diversity of projects we work on. One day, I might be involved in an initiative supporting the EU efforts in Ukraine, and the next, I could be contributing to a governance project in Africa. Seeing the real-world impact of what we do is what makes this work so fulfilling.”

Breaking Barriers: Challenges and Growth

Like many women in international development, Jacy has faced challenges along the way. In a sector where leadership and technical roles are often male-dominated, she sometimes found herself in meetings where she was one of the few women in the room.

“Another challenge has been navigating different cultural contexts where gender norms can be limiting,” she says.

Her approach to overcoming these barriers has been a combination of continuous learning, self-confidence, and building a strong support network.

“I’ve overcome these obstacles by continuously upskilling myself, building confidence in my expertise, and surrounding myself with strong mentors and supportive colleagues,” she explains. “I also believe in lifting other women up by creating spaces for open discussions and advocating for policies that promote gender equality in the field.”

What Keeps Her Going

For Jacy, international development is about creating real impact and working alongside passionate individuals who share the vision of a more just and sustainable world.

“What inspires me the most is working with people from different backgrounds, all committed to empowerment and inclusion. Whether addressing poverty, gender equality, or governance, every project contributes to lasting change. The resilience of the communities we support reminds me why this work matters.”

Advice for Women Entering the Field

For women—especially those from diverse backgrounds—Jacy’s advice is simple:

Believe in yourself and your ability to make an impact.

“This sector needs diverse perspectives, and your background is a strength, not a limitation. Seek out opportunities—internships, volunteering, academic projects—and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.”

She also highlights the importance of mentorship and resilience:

“Challenges will come, but your skills and determination will help you navigate them. Surround yourself with people who uplift you and advocate for yourself and others.”

A Celebration of Women in International Development

Jacy’s journey reflects how women are shaping the future of international development. At GDSI, we take pride in fostering an inclusive and empowering workplace—one where women lead, grow, and contribute to meaningful global change.

With a majority of our team being women, GDSI is committed to providing opportunities for women to thrive in leadership, technical, and strategic roles in international development.

“Women have always been at the forefront of development,” Jacy says. “It’s time to recognise that and ensure that every woman, no matter where she’s from, has the opportunity to thrive and lead.”

This guide aims to be a practical resource by sharing existing experiences and providing a structured, adaptable framework.