International Women’s Day (IWD) takes place on 8th March, and encourages us to reflect, recognise, and celebrate the achievements of women.
This year’s theme – Give To Gain – invites us to rethink what it means to support and uplift one another. The campaign asks us to intentionally share knowledge, resources, opportunities, and encouragement so that women can flourish and, in turn, help others grow.
Giving isn’t subtraction – it’s intentional multiplication. When one woman gains confidence, skills, or support, she carries others with her. When one workplace becomes more inclusive, the entire organisation benefits. When one community invests in women’s progress, everyone rises.
How you can get involved:
01. Give your knowledge
Share skills, offer mentorship, explain processes, or provide guidance to someone earlier on in their journey.
02. Give space
Amplify women’s voices in conversations, team meetings and decision-making spaces.
03. Give opportunity
Recommend a woman for a project, nominate her for recognition, or highlight her achievements.
04. Give support
Encourage women in your workplace or community –
a small message of belief can change the course of someone’s day or career.
05. Give forward
Just as others have opened doors for you, look for ways to open doors for women who come after you.
A shared rising
International Women’s Day is more than celebration – it’s collective action. When we invest in women, we invest in stronger teams, healthier families, more resilient communities, and a fairer world.
Give to gain. Lift to rise. Thrive to help others grow.
Show your support
Strike the Give To Gain pose to show solidarity:
- Cupped hands out front – symbolising giving and receiving
- Or one hand on your heart, the other stretched out – a heartfelt gesture of generosity (see pic below)
Share your photo on social media with:
#IWD2026 #GiveToGain #Lena
Find out more by visiting the IWD website.
More from our blog
Menopause and work
The menopause is a natural biological process. It occurs when your ovaries age and naturally produce lower levels of reproductive hormones. The menopause may have a significant impact on home life and work performance. This can be unsettling, particularly if a particular role carries lots of responsibility. The hormonal changes…
Understanding Stepped Care and its role in workplace wellbeing
The stepped care model is a fundamental part of Inspire's workplace offering. So, what is it and why is it so important?
Workplace Wellbeing – “Build Belonging”
Two important dates occur in April in relation to promoting and prioritising wellbeing in the workplace, namely World Day for Health & Safety at Work on 28 April, closely followed by Ibec’s National Workplace Wellbeing Day.
Stress Awareness Month
Stress is a normal part of life – but when pressure becomes persistent, overwhelming, or begins to impact your wellbeing, it’s important to recognise the signs early and reach out for support.
NI Only – Room Hire Claim 1st April 2026
From 1st April 2026, you will no longer be required to fill out the excel room hire template. Instead, if you are claiming for room hire you must fill out a room hire claim form on the appointment within Penelope.
Nutrition & Hydration Week
Nutrition & Hydration Week takes place from 16th to 22nd March, and is a reminder that small choices – what we sip, what we snack, what we prepare – influence our energy, mood, and concentration more than we often realise.
World Sleep Day
World Sleep Day on the 13th March encourages us to prioritise rest, rethink our habits, and reclaim the reset that our bodies (and brains) depend on.
Pancake Tuesday
This year, Random Acts of Kindness Day and Pancake Tuesday fall on the same date (17th Feb) - a perfect opportunity to combine both! Kindness doesn’t need to be grand - in this instance it can be as easy as bringing a plate of pancakes to the office kitchen.
Random Acts of Kindness Day
The power of kindness Random Acts of Kindness Day takes place on 17th February and highlights that kindness is more than just a nice gesture - it’s a force that strengthens relationships, boosts wellbeing, and sparks positivity. Studies show that being kind releases feel-good hormones (like oxytocin and serotonin), reduces…
Time to talk day
Every year, Time to Talk Day reminds us of something simple yet powerful: conversations can change lives. Talking about mental health isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the most important steps we can take toward creating a supportive and connected workplace.
Dry/Drink Less January
Alcohol: Take back control and feel better fast Whether you\'re looking to drink less or stop altogether, small changes can lead to big improvements in your health, mood, sleep, and relationships. Here\'s how to get started – and stick with it. Alcohol is deeply woven into our daily lives but…
Stress Awareness Week
International Stress Awareness Week (3-7 Nov) and Stress Awareness Day (which is held on Wednesday 5 November at the centre of the week) aims to raise the profile of stress awareness and stress prevention, and promote the importance of wellbeing for individuals and organisations. ‘Stress can be defined as a…
