Wellbeing Through Giving — How “Give to Gain” Empowers Women Everywhere

International Women’s Day invites us to pause, celebrate, and recommit to supporting women’s equality and empowerment.

In 2026, the theme “Give to Gain” resonates deeply within professional environments, encouraging a culture of giving—be it in the form of support, knowledge, resources or visibility.

But beyond the workplace, it has a profound connection to women’s wellbeing.  It strengthens inner resilience, creates social connection, and fosters a sense of purpose. When women give to and gain from one another, wellbeing becomes a shared, sustainable force.

The power of giving on wellbeing
Studies consistently show that acts of giving — whether through mentoring, offering support, volunteering, or advocating have been shown to increase happiness and reduce stress.

This has unique significance for women, who often carry heavy emotional labour, caregiving responsibilities, and cultural expectations. By reframing giving as an empowering act, women can reclaim agency over how they offer their time, energy, and voice.

Employees who engage in giving behaviours often report higher levels of job satisfaction. Feeling valued and supported can lead to a more positive outlook on one’s career and workplace.

The impact of supportive communities
Women thrive when surrounded by strong networks and in safe spaces where they are heard, valued, and supported.

When individuals give their time and resources to support others, they build stronger, more trusting relationships.  Women who collectively advocate, uplift one another, and push for systemic change build a culture of wellbeing grounded in fairness, respect, and dignity.

Healthy giving
While giving is important, it is more important not to give endlessly with little regard for one's own needs. It needs to be rooted in bounded, intentional wellbeing.

Healthy giving looks like:

• Offering encouragement without self-sacrifice
• Setting boundaries to protect mental and emotional health
• Sharing resources or knowledge in sustainable ways
• Choosing collaborative over competitive environments
• Recognising when to rest, restore, and receive

This balanced approach strengthens mental resilience, reduces burnout, and fosters emotional harmony — all crucial components of women’s wellbeing.

Give to gain in daily life
There are many small but meaningful ways women can embody this year’s theme while supporting their wellbeing:

• Give Time - Check in on a friend, attend a support circle, or volunteer in your community.
• Give Encouragement - Celebrate women’s achievements openly, whether that’s at home, work, or online.
• Give Knowledge - Share your story, expertise, or experience. Women learn powerfully from one another.
• Give Rest - Honour your limits. Rest is an act of resistance and empowerment.
• Give Advocacy - Call out stereotypes, question bias, and support inclusive policies.
• Give Financially (If You Can) - Support women-focused charities, organisations, or groups working towards equality and wellbeing. Donate to CA Support.

Give to gain in the workplace
When women feel valued, supported, and included at work, their wellbeing — and productivity — increases. Generosity in professional settings doesn’t just benefit women; it strengthens entire organisations.

To implement the “Give to Gain” philosophy in the workplace effectively, organisations can adopt several strategies:

Mentorship programmes: Establish mentorship programs that pair experienced professionals with those looking to grow in their careers. Ensure that opportunities are accessible to all employees, especially women and underrepresented groups, bridging gaps in representation.

Collaboration: Create opportunities for team-based projects where employees can share their expertise and work together towards a common goal. Encouraging employees to share their knowledge and experiences can empower others and create a culture of continuous learning.

Wellbeing policies: Implement EAPs that provide mental health support and counselling services. In addition, offering wellness programs that include activities such as mindfulness sessions, yoga, or stress management workshops can foster a supportive environment.

Leadership: Fostering inclusive pathways to leadership and encouraging women to share their expertise, organisations can cultivate a new generation of female leaders who inspire and drive meaningful change in the workplace.

Promoting policies that support work-life balance and flexible work arrangements also enables women to thrive in leadership roles while managing personal responsibilities.

Not just a day
As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2026 under the theme “Give to Gain,” it’s crucial to recognise that fostering a culture of giving within the workplace is not just beneficial for individuals but for organisations as a whole. By prioritising wellbeing through mentorship, collaboration, emotional support, and recognition, we can create a thriving professional environment where everyone, especially women, can achieve their full potential.

International Women’s Day Sparkling Lunch
To mark International Women’s Day, we are hosting an inspiring afternoon of conversation, connection, and celebration.

Join us for a vibrant gathering featuring insights from an exceptional line-up of members and speakers to mark International Women's Day. This special event will bring together influential leaders, industry experts, and peers for dynamic panel discussions, expert insights, and an intimate fireside chat.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn, network, and be inspired by a community committed to progress. Book your spot here.