STRONGER TOGETHER: Give to gain this International Women’s Day

"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week, Tanya discusses giving to gain gender equality this International Women's Day.

By IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O'Shea

When we give, we gain. That’s the message this International Women’s Day, which was yesterday on Sunday 8 March. It’s an opportunity to reflect on our role in the global push to achieve gender equality, celebrate our victories and raise awareness of where we still have work to do. And ‘we’ means everyone, because gender equality is a human rights issue, not just a women’s issue.

The 2026 theme of ‘Give To Gain’ calls on all of us to contribute to women’s advancement. When we think about giving, our minds often turn to money, which in today’s world is something many of us can’t afford to give.  

While donating to local, national or global causes is a worthy way to take part, giving doesn’t begin and end there. You can give knowledge, resources, training, advocacy, infrastructure. You can give respect, safety, credit, opportunities, voice. You can give perhaps your most precious asset: time.

You may feel that your contribution is too insignificant to matter, but as I explored in my recent column on the butterfly effect, impact doesn’t need to be immediate or obvious. No matter how small, your actions can have a ripple effect. When people see you giving, they’re more likely to follow in your footsteps.

In return, you have so much to gain. On a personal level, you may gain connection, motivation, confidence, fulfillment. More broadly, others may gain an example to follow, a shoulder to lean on, a safe space to share their story. And one day, through collective effort and small acts of giving, society may gain gender equality.

When women thrive, communities, workplaces, families, and economies thrive too. What will you give to gain gender quality this International Women’s Day?