09/03/2026
International Women’s Day ✨️
Many organisations marked IWD yesterday following the theme promoted by the International Women’s Day website. But while researching for a client recently, I realised there were actually two different themes.
The United Nations theme this year is
“Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL women and girls.”
A theme centred on systemic change in laws, protections, equity and justice for women globally.
The theme promoted by the International Women’s Day website is “Give to Gain.”
A campaign encouraging mentoring, support and giving back to women’s causes.
I understand the relevance of this with community, generosity and lifting one another up but I also saw a lot of people looking to boycott this message.
Because the reality is that women are so often asked to give whether it be their time, their energy, their resilience, their expertise. And often its without recognition or compensation.
You only have to look at how many women are asked to speak at IWD events for free. Something that was powerfully articulated by last week.
So while I appreciate the message behind “Give to Gain”, I think the wider message from the UN feels the most relevant and important.
Not what women can give over and over but what actually needs to change on a wider level in order to bring greater equality for ALL women.
However you recognise it, I wish you a Happy International Women's Day. Very proud to be one!
