What are you willing to give so that more women can thrive?
Happy International Women’s Day 2026. Annually, on March 8, the world celebrates International Women’s Day, which is a day dedicated to honouring the social, economic, and political achievements of women globally. As we mark this year’s celebration, this year’s United Nations theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls”, calls for the removal of structural barriers that limit women’s rights and access to justice, such as discriminatory laws and weak legal protection, unequal pay, gender-based violence, limited political representation, and restricted access to education and opportunities.
The global IWD campaign theme “Give To Gain” reminds us that progress towards gender equality is often built on collective acts of giving. It challenges us to reflect on how we can contribute to creating pathways for women and girls to thrive. We are also reminded that giving does not always require money and can take many forms: Sometimes it simply means:
- Sharing your knowledge to help another woman grow;
- Amplifying women’s voices in professional spaces;
- Challenging bias, stereotypes, and structural barriers that limit women’s potential;
- Supporting women-led initiatives;
- Advocating for policies that promote and protect the rights of women and girls;
- Creating inclusive opportunities for women and girls;
- Mentoring, supporting, and creating opportunities for the next generation of women leaders;
- Speaking up for equal rights in your communities;
- Investing in women’s education and leadership
At other times, giving may just mean recognising and valuing the everyday contributions of women around us. For me, giving means mentoring younger scholars, supporting women and youth-led initiatives, and contributing to conversations that push for more inclusive and peaceful societies. When we give our time, resources, and mentorship to uplift women and girls, we multiple impact because when women win, the whole society benefits. When we give women and girls opportunities, support, and recognition, we create the conditions for them to thrive.
On this International Women’s Day, I celebrate the women making a difference in their communities and the many people, women and men, who continue to invest in promoting gender equality. Let’s keep winning and breaking the glass ceiling in our respective fields.