Give to Gain: Deeds, Not Words
How lifting others elevates us all
International Women's Day 2026
International Women's Day is a moment to celebrate how far we've come — and to commit to how much further we'll go, together. This year's theme, Give to Gain, asks us a simple but powerful question: What will you do with what you have?
The Power of Passing It On
"You shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back." — Maya Angelou
Think about every skill you've gained, every door that was opened for you, every moment someone believed in you when you doubted yourself. Progress was never meant to stop with us. We are meant to pass it on.
Giving back isn't a single grand gesture. It's a daily practice of sharing what we know, opening doors we've walked through, and lifting others as we climb.
What "Give to Gain" Really Means
When we invest in others, we all benefit. When we mentor, we deepen our own understanding. When we advocate for someone else, we strengthen our voice. When we create opportunities for others, we build stronger teams and communities.
"There is no exercise better for your heart than reaching down and lifting people up." — John Holmes
Supporting other women doesn't diminish our own success — it multiplies it.
Small Actions, Big Impact
What does "giving to gain" look like in practice? Here are just a few ways to start:
Mentor — offer guidance to someone earlier in their career; even just one conversation can change a trajectory.
Advocate — recommend a woman for an opportunity or speak up for her in a room she's not in.
Teach — share a skill you've mastered through a workshop, a lunch-and-learn, or even a quick how-to email.
Connect — introduce two women who could help each other grow.
Volunteer — give your time or professional expertise to a cause that advances women's wellbeing.
My Own Give to Gain Journey
After 35 years in the NHS, I moved from nursing into mental health training — not just to build a business, but to pass on what I'd learned about supporting people through difficult times.
Every Mental Health First Aid course I deliver, every mindfulness session I facilitate, every workplace conversation I help start — these are my ways of throwing something back. The skills I gained over decades of healthcare weren't meant to stay with me; they were meant to be shared.
And here's what I've discovered: the more I give, the more I gain. Not financially (let's be honest!), but in connection, in purpose, and in the profound satisfaction of watching others grow in confidence.
What about you? Do you volunteer, formally or informally? Is there a cause close to your heart? I'd love to hear your story — drop me an email or share in the comments below.
Your Challenge This Week
Choose one action from the list above. Do it. Then pass the challenge on to someone else.
Imagine if every woman reading this chose just one deed — the ripple effect would be extraordinary.
Happy International Women's Day 2026 #IWD2026 #GiveToGain #AccelerateAction