International Women’s Day (March 8, 2026) is more than a moment of recognition —it’s a call to action. This year’s IWD campaign theme, “Give to Gain,” reminds us of a powerful truth: when we invest in women, we multiply impact — not just for the companies they serve, but for women everywhere.

Aligned with the UN’s global focus on Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls, IWD 2026 invites individuals and organizations to move beyond awareness and into intentional contribution. So how do you engage meaningfully this year? Start here.

Step 1: Reframe Gender Equity as an Investment

One of the biggest barriers to progress is the misconception that supporting greater workplace inclusion is a “nice to have.” In reality, a diverse and financially empowered workforce is a competitive advantage.

When women workers have a strong foundation in financial literacy, the benefits extend far beyond the individual. Financial confidence directly influences how employees show up at work: how they negotiate, plan, lead, and make decisions. Women who understand compensation, equity, benefits, and long-term financial planning are better equipped to advocate for themselves, pursue advancement, and take on leadership opportunities.

For organizations, this translates into:

• Stronger retention: Employees who feel financially secure and informed are more likely to stay, reducing costly turnover.
  
  
• Higher engagement and performance: Financial clarity reduces stress and distraction, allowing women to focus fully on their work and contribute at a higher level.
  
  
• More equitable leadership pipelines: When women have the tools to navigate pay, promotions, and wealth-building, they are less likely to self-select out of advancement opportunities.
  
  
• Smarter business outcomes: Financially literate teams make more informed decisions, ask better questions, and contribute to healthier, more sustainable growth.
  
  

When women gain access to education, financial literacy, mentorship, and opportunity, careers accelerate, workplaces become more innovative, and industries grow stronger. These gains compound, creating cultures where transparency, trust, and long-term thinking thrive.

Gender equity isn’t subtraction. It’s intentional multiplication. Investing in women’s financial literacy strengthens the entire organization. When women thrive, everyone gains.

Step 2: Participate in Ways That Create Lasting Impact

There’s no single way to participate in International Women’s Day. The most powerful contributions are often the most intentional. Consider what you — or your organization — can do within your bandwidth:

• Donate to programs that remove financial barriers for women;
  
  
• Share expertise, training, or resources;
  
  
• Open doors to networks, opportunities, or leadership pathways;
  
  
• Mentor, advocate, or amplify women’s voices;
  
  
• Celebrate the achievements and leadership of women on your team;

Every form of giving contributes to a more equitable and interconnected world.

Step 3: Support Financial Literacy for Women

Financial confidence is a foundational skill—yet many women are never given the tools or support to build it.

Research consistently shows that improving women’s financial literacy:

• Strengthens career decision-making
  
  
• Increases long-term wealth and retirement readiness
  
  
• Improves business outcomes and organizational resilience
  
  

At WIRe, we believe financial literacy is a workplace equity issue. When women understand money, they gain agency—not just over their finances, but over their careers. That was the impetus behind our new professional development program, Finance Foundations. This 10-part program delivers a comprehensive grounding in financial literacy, giving participants the knowledge and tools to make confident financial decisions in both their personal and professional lives. Sessions from leading voices in business and finance cover the core elements of corporate finance — how to read financial statements, build sound business plans, raise capital, and manage risk — while also developing practical personal finance skills in budgeting, saving and investing, debt management, and retirement planning. Contact us to learn more about delivering this program to your teams of all genders to promote gender equity throughout your workplace.

Step 4: Take Action with WIRe This IWD

To bring the Give to Gain theme to life, WIRe is hosting an all-day online Giving and Celebration Event for International Women’s Day 2026. The event will combine education, storytelling, community, and fundraising to show how generosity fuels real progress.

Primary way to give:
Donate to fund scholarships for women to participate in WIRe’s Financial Literacy Program—expanding access to critical skills that benefit individuals and workplaces alike.

Give one, get one:
When you give one Accelerate seat to a woman in need, you receive one seat for an employee of your choice — doubling the impact.

Step 5: Celebrate Giving—and Keep Going

International Women’s Day is a powerful catalyst, but progress doesn’t stop on March 8. Use this moment to:

• Publicly celebrate those who give
  
  
• Share stories of impact
  
  
• Commit to ongoing, intentional action
  
  

Inclusive work cultures aren’t built overnight—they’re built through generosity, consistency, and collaboration.

So, What Will You Give to Gain?

Gender equality isn’t a zero-sum game. The more we give, be it resources, access, knowledge, or advocacy, the more we all gain.

This International Women’s Day, choose generosity.
Choose impact.
Choose to give — and gain — a more equitable future for us all.