Celebrating International Women’s Day: Reflections and Insights

International Women's Day 2026: Give To Gain

On March 8, 2026, the world will celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) under the powerful theme “Give To Gain.” This year’s message is both simple and transformative: when we give, we gain. Not just individually—but collectively.

“Give To Gain” epitomizes a spirit of generosity, mutual support, and working together. I would add that moving toward gender equality isn’t about “giving up” or “sacrificing” but about purposeful growth. 

International Women’s Day is deeply personal to me. I’ve seen it happen: when individuals and organizations dedicate their time, resources, influence, and knowledge to support women, opportunities expand, progress speeds up, and everyone benefits as women succeed.

I began my career at a time when business—especially industries like printing—was overwhelmingly male-dominated. I built and owned a printing company when very few women did. There were doors I couldn’t get through simply because I was a woman. There were rooms where I had to prove myself twice as much to be taken half as seriously. And yet, I persisted.

Those early experiences shaped not only my resilience but also my commitment to lifting other women as I climbed.

Over the years, I’ve mentored countless women leaders and business owners. I’ve volunteered with organizations such as Dress for Success and Savvy Ladies to support women as they build financial independence and career confidence. Through the Her Success Story podcast, I’ve had the privilege of highlighting hundreds of extraordinary female leaders and entrepreneurs—women who are building businesses, leading industries, and redefining what leadership looks like.

From Awareness to Action

Since the Suffragette Movement in 1911, International Women’s Day has honored women’s accomplishments for 115 years while drawing attention to the work still to be done. In 2026, the focus turns more toward taking action.

What does “Give To Gain” look like in practice?

  • Give your time by mentoring emerging female leaders.

  • Give your voice by promoting equity in policies and decision-making.

  • Give your resources to organizations advocating for women’s health, education, and economic opportunity.

  • Give recognition by celebrating achievements and ensuring contributions are seen and valued.

Every action, no matter how minor, helps create change. Even small steps can make a big difference! When we come together and share generously, it becomes a wonderful force that helps bring about equality for everyone.

It’s a moment when we have the opportunity to reflect, be accountable, and recommit. Grounded in community, we believe that when women advance, everyone benefits. 

In examining several relevant sources and data trends, distinct and consistent themes emerged:

  • Several sources contributed to the delineation of the six themes we identified: the International Women’s Day Organization, a return to our own podcast contributors for their insights, and exploring this year’s IWD theme of “Give to Gain.”

Here are the six themes:

1. Celebration of Achievement

IWD is an opportunity to celebrate women's achievements across various industries, generations, and communities. It is a time toreflect on progress in leadership, entrepreneurship, advocacy, and innovation, seeing the day as both a moment to recognize and affirm the importance of these accomplishments.

2. Reflection on Progress and Gaps

Yes, our mood for IWD should be celebratory, but the tone is not complacent. We would do well to consider IWD as a checkpoint—a time to assess how far we’ve come and where inequities persist. Themes of wage disparity, representation, access to capital, and systemic bias are still very much ongoing challenges.

3. Power of Community and Collective Support

A strong throughline in the literature and data is the importance of women supporting women. Collaboration, mentorship, sponsorship, and amplifying women’s voices are the key principles. Meaningful advancement happens when networks are activated, not when individuals operate alone.

4. Responsibility Beyond a Single Day

IWD should not be symbolic or confined to March 8. Instead, it should serve as a catalyst for sustained action throughout the year—embedding equity in daily leadership decisions, hiring practices, partnerships, and cultural norms.

5. Intergenerational Impact

It's so important for us to honor the women who blazed the trail before us and to work together to create more opportunities for the upcoming generation. IWD superbly represents both our gratitude and our duty to support and uplift.

6. Personal Meaning and Lived Experience

For many, IWD holds personal significance—shaped by mothers, mentors, colleagues, daughters, and clients. We often blend professional insight with personal narrative, underscoring that gender equity is not abstract; it is deeply human.

In summary:

The collective sentiment views International Women’s Day as more than just a celebration. It's a special time to recognize, reflect, and renew our commitments—fostering a sense of community, inspiring ongoing action, and embracing the shared belief that when women thrive, we all benefit.

That is why International Women’s Day is not just a date on the calendar for me. It is a celebration of progress. A reminder of responsibility. And, quite honestly, a joy.

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How will you celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day? What will you Give to Gain gender equality? I’d love to hear from you.

Ivy SlaterComment