INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — 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.

Deana Howorth, the CEO of Hirons advertising agency, was a panelist. “Events like this give us an opportunity to come together share resources and challenges and understand when and how to support each other and what more needs to be done.”

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

Leslie Jimenez, a student at Believe Circle City High School, “This is really fun. I like the panels. They are really nice. It was really funny also all the stuff that’s going around is really cool, too.”

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.