International Women’s Day 2026 – Give to Gain

8 March marks International Women’s Day (IWD), a global celebration of women’s contributions and a call to action for gender equality. This year’s theme ‘Give to Gain’ highlights the power of generosity, solidarity and shared commitment in transforming women’s lives. 

For 150 years, Mothers’ Union has put faith into action. Across the world, our members and supporters give in ways that create lasting change, strengthening families, equipping women with skills and confidence, building economic resilience, and nurturing both spiritual and practical wellbeing. 

Our global programmes support women to grow in confidence and capability. Through literacy initiatives, savings groups, and livelihood training, women are equipped to make informed decisions about their lives and their families’ futures. These are not quick fixes, but long-term investments in dignity, stability and hope. 

In Rwanda, our partnership with Five Talents supports savings groups alongside agricultural and literacy training. Participants develop financial discipline, plan and invest in income-generating activities. Agricultural training improves food security and household income, while literacy enables women to read, write and manage records, strengthening their participation in community and family life. 

Odette gained new agricultural skills, learning that garlic could grow in her region, something she had seen but never imagined cultivating locally. Inspired by this knowledge, she began exploring garlic farming to diversify her income and improve her family’s livelihood. Reflecting on her experience, she shared: “I used to see garlic, but I did not know it could be cultivated here in Rwanda. I am happy to have learned this, and I will now start growing it.” 

Uzamukunda grew up without access to formal education and was unable to read or write. This deeply affected her confidence and opportunities. Through the Literacy Programme, she gained skills that transformed not only her practical abilities, but her sense of dignity and hope for the future. Literacy restored her confidence and opened new possibilities. 

Our work is sustained not just by practical programmes, but by prayerful community. Mothers’ Union members faithfully pray for women and families across the world, through local gatherings, the Wave of Prayer, linked dioceses and online communities. This spiritual commitment reflects Jesus’ call to love our neighbour in word and action. 

The Gospel calls us to give generously of our time, our compassion and our resources. Giving is not simply an act of kindness but a demonstration of our worship, where barriers are broken down and people are enabled to flourish. ‘Give to Gain’ echoes this truth. When we give, we participate in building a world where women are affirmed and supported, families are strengthened, communities thrive, and justice slowly replaces harm. 

In the life-changing work of Mothers’ Union, we see this play out every day: women gain confidence, skills, peace and freedom because someone chose to give. As we mark International Women’s Day 2026, let us recommit to this principle, that through generosity, we build stronger families, stronger churches and a more just and compassionate world. 

 

How we can observe International Women’s Day 

Reflect and pray – use IWD as a day of prayer for women in your community, local and global, especially people who need strength, protection and hope.  

Give time and skill – consider volunteering with your local MU branch, supporting the work and projects done locally.  

Support financially – giving a financial gift to MU strengthens programmatic work that invest in women’s long-term well-being and equality.