Give to Gain: Why Lifting Others Helps Us Rise Too
A Pre–International Women’s Day 2026 Reflection for Diversity House
As we approach International Women’s Day 2026, I find myself thinking deeply about this year’s theme: “Give to Gain.” It sounds simple, almost like a catchy slogan, but the more I sit with it, the more meaning it reveals.
For many of us, giving takes many shapes—our time, our encouragement, our skills, our kindness. Sometimes it’s a listening ear, sometimes it’s sharing a useful opportunity, and sometimes it’s just showing up when someone needs us.
What we rarely stop to acknowledge is that in giving, we grow.
When we give, we strengthen our sense of community.
When we give, we gain confidence in our own voice.
When we give, we build the kind of world we want to live in.
“Give to Gain” in Our Community
In Swale and across Kent, we have seen powerful examples of this message in action. Women supporting women. Girls finding strength in friendship circles. Male allies stepping up to challenge inequality. Teachers investing in young women’s futures. Small acts add up to big impacts.
The CWGIE (Centre for Women and Girls Innovation & Empowerment) programme has shown us that when women are supported, whole communities shift. When girls are given a platform, they grow into leaders. When men join the conversation, progress accelerates.
That is what “Give to Gain” looks like in real life.
What Do We Gain When We Give?
Here are just a few reflections from my conversations over the past year:
- We gain strength
Giving our support to others reminds us that we, too, are capable and resourceful.
- We gain connection
Every time we extend a hand to help someone else, we form a bond that enriches our own life.
- We gain hope
Seeing someone thrive because we invested in them inspires us to keep going.
- We gain shared success
When one girl succeeds, her family, school, and community succeed with her.
This is the heart of our work at Diversity House.
Voices From CWGIE
One woman told us:
“When Diversity House believed in me, I began to believe in myself.”
A teenage girl said:
“I didn’t know I had a voice until someone asked me what I thought.”
And from a male ally:
“Supporting women hasn’t taken anything away from me. It has made my workplace better.”
These are not just quotes, they are reminders that empowerment creates a ripple effect that benefits us all.
Join Us on 9 March 2026
This year, we are taking the theme to a new level.
On 9 March 2026, Diversity House will bring together:
- Young girls from schools across Swale
- Women from diverse communities
- Male allies
- Local leaders
- Organisations committed to change
We will also be launching the final CWGIE project report, sharing what we learned and what still needs to be done.
This is more than an event.
It is a moment to celebrate our power, reflect on our progress, and commit to building a fairer society together.
How You Can Give to Gain Today
You do not have to wait for the event to get involved. Here are simple ways to start:
- Share this blog with someone
- Encourage a young girl you know
- Offer support to a woman returning to work
- Speak out when you see unfairness
- Volunteer with local groups
- Celebrate the achievements of others
Small actions create big change.
Final Thought
Let us carry the spirit of “Give to Gain” with us, not just for one day in March, but all year long. When we uplift others, we rise too. And together, we can make Swale a community where every woman and girl feels seen, supported, and free to thrive.
Join us on 9 March 2026 for International Women’s Day with Diversity House.
“Together we Give to Gain — for girls, women, families, workplaces, and communities.”