“Giving is not a subtraction; it’s intentional multiplication.” This quote from International Women’s Day anchors the sentiment of the 2026 theme – Give to Gain.
As women, we tend to give, and often our generosity comes without expectations of return. We lend a helping hand, give our time and love, feed and nurture. Often, these acts of selflessness are cloaked in humility, for it is the satisfaction of the act, the experience of witnessing growth and joy, and the inner glow it seeds that matter most.
Marking its 115th year, International Women’s Day 2026 celebrates the concept that there are tremendous gains in giving, especially for supporting women’s equality throughout the world. Famed feminist and women’s rights activist Gloria Steinem once stated, “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.”
History and Impact
A movement beginning in the early 20th century to support women in obtaining fair wages, safer and more humane working conditions, as well as the right to vote, has evolved into International Women’s Day. Although those initial goals were achieved long ago, it is the sentiment that galvanized the work to achieve them that remains intact.
The courage and fortitude of women cannot be underestimated or overlooked. Through the decades, women have entered and flourished in professions dominated by men, reframed politics, forged international policy, shattered glass ceilings across scientific disciplines, helped build nations, invented products, and set awe-inspiring records in team and individual sports.
Since its inception in 1911, International Women’s Day (IWD) has been a force for transformation in women’s empowerment. In many nations across every continent, International Women’s Day is a holiday celebrated on March 8. It honors the activists, leaders, caregivers, and workers who continue to advance IWD’s mission of taking meaningful action to close gender pay gaps, address systemic bias, and amplify diverse voices to promote and sustain equality of opportunity.
According to IWD, celebrating this day is underscored by momentum. “It is about recognizing how far we have come, while collectively and unapologetically committing to how far we still must go.”
There are inspiring examples of women worldwide who are making a difference in the lives of other women and girls. For example, one young woman, Khyati Gupta, who saw girls using rags and newspapers as sanitary pads, said that she “couldn’t accept that something so natural could take away dignity.” She started the Pinkishe Foundation, which provides free sanitary napkins to girls who need them. She said, “For me, this isn’t charity, this is my duty.”
In honoring the theme Give to Gain, Jamila Foundation announced it is investing in girls’ education by building schools and supporting 210 children in Guinea, with the goal of breaking poverty cycles through scholarships and vocational training.
In Nairobi, where CodeYetu teaches coding to children in children’s homes, two women who serve as volunteers share what giving means to them. Trainer Mary Sharnice said, “I’ve realized that generosity in tech creates a powerful cycle: the more you give, the more the entire community grows, benefiting everyone in ways both big and small.”
CodeYetu trainer Karen Langat expressed that Give to Gain is about intentionally investing in women and girls to create shared growth experiences that benefit everyone. “At CodeYetu, when we give time, knowledge, and mentorship to young girls, we are not just teaching them how to code; we are building confidence and curiosity.”
International Women’s Day also brings attention to situations that are dire for women. In Afghanistan, Tahera Nasiri, founder and head of the Women’s Movement Towards Freedom, is championing the abolishing of what she calls “full-scale gender apartheid” faced by women living under Taliban rule in Afghanistan for the past five years. She said, “March 8 is not a celebration for the women of Afghanistan; it is a call to action.”
IWD Expands Giving Program
IWD GIVING is a hub devoted to supporting and uplifting trusts, non-profit organizations, foundations, and other charities that promote gender equality and provide health initiatives and vocational-career opportunities for women and girls, many of whom are disadvantaged.
The program encourages financial donations, fundraising support, promotional visibility, and volunteer engagement. All funds raised to date have been given directly to IWD Charities, and nearly 30,000 fundraising organizations have self-registered accounts via the IWD website.
IWD GIVING encourages direct donations to women-focused nonprofit organizations. To date, 100% of funds raised by IWD GIVING have gone directly to IWD Charities.
A recent survey finds that 98% of women-focused charities are seeking greater visibility and want their mission and impact to be understood. IWD Giving is devoted to helping ensure these goals are met.
Conclusion
Science increasingly shows that the act of giving creates a ripple effect on overall well-being. Acts of generosity and support are linked to reduced blood pressure, lower cortisol levels, and increased levels of dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, the “feel-good” neurotransmitters that strengthen human connection. When we give to uplift women and girls, we are not only improving lives, we are also building healthier communities and a more equitable future.
While March 8 marks International Women’s Day, the spirit of celebrating and empowering women must extend far beyond a single day. At Nutriventia, this belief shapes how we innovate, research, and grow. We recognize that women’s health has historically been underrepresented in research, and we are committed to changing that through gender-inclusive studies with strong female representation and through the development of science-backed, safe, and effective solutions tailored to women’s unique physiology.
Our portfolio reflects this commitment from TurmXTRA™ active, which supports musculoskeletal health and mobility, to TurmXTRA™ glow, designed to promote healthy, radiant skin, and Prolanza™, which helps women manage stress, build emotional resilience, and improve sleep and overall well-being. Additionally, Melotime™, which supports improved sleep quality and healthy circadian rhythms; CaffXtend™, designed to enhance focus, alertness, and sustained energy for the demands of modern life; and C-Fence™, which supports immune health to help women maintain overall vitality. Each solution is rooted in rigorous science and inspired by the goal of helping women lead healthier, more balanced lives.
Equally important is the culture within our organization. Nutriventia’s workforce reflects the values we champion, with women representing a significant and growing presence across our teams from research and innovation to leadership and operations.
This International Women’s Day, we embrace the message of Give to Gain. By investing in women’s health, amplifying their voices, and creating opportunities for them to thrive, we contribute to a cycle of growth that benefits everyone. Because when women gain better health, greater opportunity, and stronger support systems, society as a whole moves forward.
Reviewed by Sneha Sawant Desai, PhD
