International Women’s Day 2026 Theme: Give to Gain
When we give, we gain — and when women thrive, we all rise
The International Women’s Day 2026 theme, Give To Gain, is a powerful reminder that progress is not a zero-sum game.
When we give — our time, resources, visibility, influence, or voice — we don’t lose anything. We multiply impact. We strengthen communities. We create opportunity. And we accelerate gender equality in a way that benefits everyone.
This year’s theme calls for a mindset of generosity, reciprocity, and collaboration. It asks individuals, organisations, and communities to reflect not just on what they stand for, but on what they are actively willing to give in order to move equality forward.
Because real change doesn’t happen through intention alone — it happens through contribution.
Giving is not subtraction. It’s multiplication.
Too often, conversations about gender equality are framed as trade-offs:
If women gain, someone else must lose.
Give To Gain challenges that thinking entirely.
When women are supported to thrive, organisations perform better.
When women are visible, leadership pipelines grow stronger.
When women are paid fairly, families and economies benefit.
When women are safe, educated, and empowered, communities rise.
Giving — whether knowledge, funding, access, advocacy, or opportunity — creates a ripple effect far beyond the initial action. It’s not charity. It’s investment.
A worldwide call to contribute — in ways that matter
One of the most powerful elements of IWD 2026 is its inclusivity. There is no single “right” way to take part. All action is valid.
You might give by:
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Donating to women-focused charities or grassroots organisations
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Sharing knowledge, skills, or mentoring time
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Creating space and visibility for women’s voices
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Funding initiatives that remove structural barriers
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Sponsoring women into leadership or stretch opportunities
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Advocating for fair pay, safety, and justice
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Challenging stereotypes, bias, and discrimination — every time you see them
Whether at work, at home, or in the community, every act of giving contributes to progress.
Making IWD one of the biggest giving days of the year
International Women’s Day 2026 encourages organisations and event leaders to actively Support the Supporters.
Across the world, nonprofits and community groups are delivering critical work for women and girls — often with limited resources. IWD events provide a powerful platform to:
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Invite women-focused charities to speak
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Showcase the impact of nonprofit work
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Raise awareness and funds
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Build long-term partnerships, not one-off gestures
From global organisations to local grassroots initiatives, giving visibility and support strengthens the entire ecosystem driving gender equality forward.
Giving starts with everyday actions
While fundraising and donations are vital, everyday support matters just as much.
Giving respect.
Giving credit where it’s due.
Giving opportunities, not assumptions.
Giving encouragement, not judgement.
Giving time to listen.
Giving introductions that open doors.
As individuals, giving support means actively showing up — calling out bias, celebrating success, questioning outdated norms, and sharing what we know to lift others as we rise.
Give from the heart — and create a ripple effect
The IWD 2026 campaign reminds us that meaningful giving requires open hearts and open minds.
When we give with intention, we reinforce connection, purpose, and shared responsibility. That sense of collective effort creates momentum — and momentum is what turns awareness into action.
This is how movements grow.
This is how cultures shift.
This is how equality becomes reality.
Strike the Give To Gain pose — and show solidarity
The Give To Gain gesture — cupped hands or one hand on the heart, one extended — symbolises both giving and receiving.
It represents openness, honesty, and shared humanity.
By sharing your Give To Gain image and statement using #GiveToGain, you help amplify the message throughout the year and encourage others to give within their own spheres of influence.
A movement built on more than a century of action
With over a century of history since the first International Women’s Day in 1911, IWD remains a global moment of collective activism, reflection, and celebration.
As Gloria Steinem famously said:
“The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organisation, but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.”
IWD belongs to everyone committed to forging gender equality — in whatever way feels meaningful, relevant, and impactful to them.
So, how will you Give To Gain?
Give To Gain is not about perfection.
It’s about participation.
Whatever you can give — respect, time, visibility, funding, mentoring, opportunity — it all counts.
Together, let’s make International Women’s Day 2026 one of the most generous, impactful, and connected moments of action yet.
Because when women thrive, we all rise.
Bring Give To Gain to life in your organisation
International Women’s Day is more than a moment — it’s an opportunity to create lasting impact.
If you’re planning IWD 2026 and want a speaker who goes beyond inspiration into real, practical action, we work with organisations to design powerful, meaningful sessions aligned to the Give To Gain theme.
You can book:
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Gina Buckney – International keynote speaker and workplace transformation expert, delivering science-led, real-world insights on leadership, wellbeing, performance, and gender equity
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Carla de la Vega – Inclusive leadership and confidence specialist, helping women step forward, be seen, and be heard
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Gemma Fletcher – Communications and culture expert, supporting organisations to turn values into lived behaviours
From keynote talks and panels to interactive workshops and leadership sessions, we help organisations give with intention — and gain meaningful progress.
👉 To explore speaker availability for IWD 2026, get in touch via press@yourpeoplepower.org