International Women's Day 2026 theme is 'Give To Gain'

 
When we give, we gain.

Together, let's help forge gender equality through abundant giving.

The IWD 2026 Give To Gain Campaign encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration.

Give To Gain emphasizes the power of reciprocity and support. When people, organizations, and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. Giving is not a subtraction, it's intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise.

Whether through donations, knowledge, resources, infrastructure, visibility, advocacy, education, training, mentoring, or time, contributing to women's advancement helps create a more supportive and interconnected world.

What will you Give to Gain gender equality?

Give To Gain is a worldwide call to contribute

We can all give our support to gain advancement for women and girls.

As individuals, giving support means calling out stereotypes, challenging discrimination, questioning bias, celebrating women's success, and more.

Sharing our knowledge and encouragement with others is also key.

Everyday, everywhere, how will you actively give your support to gain gender equality?
 

When we give, we give from the heart
 

Giving requires open hearts and minds.

Giving our support to help advance gender equality reinforces a sense of connection and purpose. This creates an important ripple effect for spreading impact. 
 

Let's make IWD one of the biggest GIVING DAYS of the year
 

A key way to help support gender equality is through participating in IWD Giving.

Nonprofits worldwide are delivering critical work advancing women and girls.

Significant barriers to gender equality persist, yet with dedicated resources and support, positive progress can be made.

Let's actively 'Support the Supporters' and elevate the visibility of their impact.

Join the call-to-action for all IWD Events to incorporate an element of women-focused fundraising. IWD Events provide a useful opportunity for organizations in the IWD Giving ecosystem to raise awareness, showcase impact, and call for donations. IWD Event Managers are encouraged to invite nonprofit speakers and guests, exhibit nonprofit displays, distribute nonprofit resources, and establish ongoing giving.

From large worldwide nonprofits to local grassroots groups, how can you support IWD Giving?
 

Strike the Give To Gain pose
 

Are you in? Will you help Give To Gain?

Strike the Give To Gain pose to show solidarity.

With cupped hands out front, universally we signify the act of giving and receiving. Throughout history, the open palm has been associated with truth, honesty, and openness.

Or strike the IWD giving pose in a heartfelt way with one hand on your heart, the other hand stretched out in the giving gesture.  

Encourage others to give within their own spheres of influence by sharing your Give To Gain image and statement across social media throughout the year using the #GiveToGain hashtag.

Submit your Give To Gain image and statement here for potential inclusion on the IWD website and/or across the IWD social media feeds throughout the year.

So how will you Give to Gain?
 

Whether an individual, organization or community group, here are some great ideas for supporting the IWD 2026 Give To Gain campaign all year long.

At work, at home, and in the community, there are many ways to overtly advance women.

Whatever way is most impactful, let's Give To Gain gender equality.

Remember, all IWD activity is valid
 

IWD is a movement. This special day of impact belongs to all groups, everywhere. That's what makes IWD so inclusive, not exclusive.

IWD remains an important opportunity for all groups to elevate and amplify the focus on gender equality.

Together, let's Give To Gain for gender equality.
 

Build on IWD's century-plus history
 

With well over a century of history and change, the first International Women's Day was held in March 1911.

Organizations, groups, and individuals worldwide can all play a part - in the community, at work, at home, and beyond.

IWD isn't country, group or organization specific. It's a day of collective global activism and celebration that belongs to all those committed to forging gender equality.

World-renowned feminist, journalist and activist, Gloria Steinem, reportedly once explained: "The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights."

Groups can choose to mark IWD in whatever manner they deem most relevant, engaging, and impactful for their specific context, objectives, and audiences. IWD is about gender equality in all its forms. For some, IWD is about fighting for women's rights. For others, IWD is about reinforcing key commitments, while for some, IWD is about celebrating success. And for others, IWD means festive gatherings and parties. Whatever choices are made, all choices matter, and all choices are valid. All activity helps contribute to, and forms part of, the thriving global IWD movement that is focused on gender equality.

IWD is a truly inclusive, diverse, and eclectic moment of impact worldwide.

Get involved.
 

Step forward in solidarity
 

Together, we can fight the good fight.

Collectively, let's all Give To Gain gender equality.

Join in solidarity and make IWD your day by doing what you can to support and advance women and girls.
 

Looking to reflect on the previous IWD 2025 Accelerate Action campaign theme? Click here.