Celebrating International Women’s Day 2026 – Give to Gain

International Women’s Day 2026 invites us to recognise not only the achievements and impact of women around the world, but also the power of giving back.

This year’s Give To Gain campaign highlights how acts of generosity, collaboration, and community support can create a ripple effect of positive change.

Across our community, students and alumni volunteers share their time, skills, and energy to support others. But, as they remind us, volunteering isn’t just about what you give – it’s also about what you gain. From newfound confidence and lifelong friendships to strengthened career skills and a deeper sense of purpose, their stories show how giving opens the door to personal growth.

Ummama Mahmood

MSc Global Strategy and Innovation Management (2025)

Employer Engagement Officer at Aim2Learn; Founder, UM Freelancing Studio
Leader in Residence 
Nationality/cultural heritage: Pakistan

One of the greatest things I have gained from volunteering, whether mentoring students, supporting early-career professionals, or contributing to community initiatives, is a deep sense of purpose and fulfilment. Time is our most precious resource. Choosing to give it intentionally feels far more meaningful than any material return. My values taught me that generosity never diminishes what you have, it multiplies it. Even a single conversation that helps someone gain clarity, confidence, or direction. Knowledge grows when shared, and that when we give sincerely, whether time, support, or guidance, it comes back in ways that enrich us personally and professionally. That is truly “Give to Gain.”

Small actions can create powerful ripple effects over time. Once you find something that matters to you, pursue it with consistency and determination. There will be highs and lows. The key is to stay resilient, stand firm during the storm, face your fears, and don’t give up when challenges arise. Growth comes through discomfort, and those difficult moments are what shape you into someone stronger, braver, and proud of how far you’ve come.

Yujun (Ivy) Zhong

MSc Human Resource Management (2022)

International Education Consultant
Leader of the Guangzhou alumni group
Nationality/cultural heritage: Chinese

2026 marks my second time volunteering with the LUBS alumni team to organize the alumni gathering in Guangzhou. Every time I receive the event update, I feel truly excited and look forward to it, because it is such a valuable opportunity for me to learn, connect with friends, and meet new alumni. Event coordination is also part of my work, so I can use my experience and skills to support the alumni team. I am grateful that through volunteering, I gained practical experience and built meaningful connections. This experience has been incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.

I have always believed that the greatest strength of women is not fighting alone but lighting each other’s paths and lifting one another up. Making a difference is not about being perfect. It’s about being present. Every woman has a unique voice and perspective the world needs. Trust yours, and don’t underestimate the impact you can create, even quietly. You don’t need a big platform, perfect skills, or unlimited time to make a difference. All you truly need is curiosity and courage. Look for causes that align with your values, use the strengths you already have—whether it’s writing, organizing, listening, or simply showing up.

We don’t start because we are brave. We become brave because we start.

Shatakshi Naik

MSc International Marketing Management (2022)

Partnerships and Marketing Management, in the Health-Tech Space (Company Name: Rx Consultants, icanheal)
Leader of the Mumbai Alumni Group
Nationality/cultural heritage: Indian

International Women’s Day has never felt to me like a date simply marked on a calendar, it offers an opportunity to pause and reflect on growth, on the process of discovering one’s voice, and on navigating spaces that continue to evolve. Women are often encouraged to adapt and accommodate, repeatedly justifying their place in spaces where others are assumed to belong. A significant part of my growth has been unlearning that; trusting my perspective and allowing my ideas to take up space. 

My involvement in grassroots healthcare camps and community outreach revealed inequalities that statistics alone cannot capture. By giving my energy to creating platforms where collaboration and inclusion could flourish, I gained a far deeper understanding of collective responsibility. Active participation within the alumni community has further strengthened this perspective, showing how sustained engagement and networks can translate professional experience into collective impact. 

Give to Gain, reflects a principle that has shaped my experience. The most valuable growth in my life has come from giving time, attention, and skills to causes and communities beyond myself. Through volunteering, mentoring, and leading alumni initiatives, I gained clarity in my values, resilience, and meaningful connections across geographies. Giving did not produce immediate rewards. Instead, it offered perspective, understanding, and a deeper sense of purpose.

To the women who feel the urge to make a difference but are stalled by a lack of certainty, remember that growth does not require a finished map. In the words of Amelia Earhart: “The most difficult thing is the decision to act; the rest is merely tenacity.” Start exactly where you are and say yes to the opportunities that align with your values, especially the ones that stretch your capabilities. 

Jennifer Merrick-Mowbray

MBA (2021)

Head of Strategy & Planning, The Fairtrade Foundation
Leader in Residence
Nationality/cultural heritage: British 

As a Leader in Residence at Leeds University Business School, I volunteer my time to support students as they prepare to step into their careers. What I’ve gained in return has been perspective and clarity - their questions are thoughtful, unfiltered and often go straight to the heart of leadership and decision-making. It has reminded me how important it is to stay curious and grounded and reinforced my own commitment to building a career that creates space for others to grow.

I’m also conscious that representation matters. When I was studying for my BA at the University of Leeds, and as the first person in my family to attend university, I didn’t always have visibility of the different paths open to me. Coming back now, I hope that simply being visible - particularly as a woman in business and in strategy - helps demonstrate routes into leadership that aren’t always obvious and gives others confidence to imagine themselves there too.

You don’t need a formal role or title to make a difference - sharing your perspective, supporting someone else, or offering encouragement can have a lasting impact. Recognise that your experience has value, even if you don’t feel like an expert yet. Over time, these small moments build confidence, connection and a sense of shared possibility - and you often gain as much as you give.

Ramsha Alam

BA Business Management with Marketing (expected 2026)

President – Leeds Entrepreneurs Society; Student Sustainability Champion; PASS Mentor
Nationality/cultural heritage: Indian (born and raised in the UAE)

I am currently volunteering on a project to help empower the homeless through short term employment. It is still in the early phases, but I have learnt a lot. As an international student, I did not realize homelessness was a problem until coming here and witnessing it myself. Volunteering on this project has allowed me to not apply what I have learnt in my degree but more importantly, has allowed me to feel like I can make a difference and contribute to the society in a meaningful way. 
 
If you find something that you are passionate about and want to contribute towards, you should give it a go. Trying something new is always a little nerve wracking and scary but we should never let that hold us back. International Women's Day is a celebration aimed at honouring women's achievements and reducing (hopefully ending) gender inequality. If you are ever scared of trying something new, just look at women around the world (our moms, role models) and rest assured that you can make a difference too. 

Sathvika R Palaniswamy

BA Business Management (Industrial) (expected 2026) 

Conference Director for the Empower Conference within the Leeds Women in Leadership Society
Nationality/cultural heritage: Indian

As Conference Director for the Empower Conference within the Leeds Women in Leadership Society, I volunteered my time to organise one of UK’s largest student-led women’s conferences. As a first-generation university student, creating a space where students could openly engage with established female leaders and firm representatives across the country felt deeply fulfilling. In giving my time to organise such a platform, I gained confidence, practical leadership skills, and a clearer sense of navigating professional spaces early on in my career.

Something that has worked for me is starting small, within your own community. For me that looked like joining a society committee and working at the Careers Service, taking on more responsibility as I grew in confidence. You do not need to have it all figured out before you begin. Just find something that genuinely resonates with you and give yourself the space to learn as you go.

Aayesha Shaikh

MBA (expected 2026)

President and license holder leading the Leeds University TEDx event 2026
MBA student rep
Nationality/cultural heritage: Indian 

I have always felt that being a woman is a power itself granted by the almighty, having said that I have felt a deep connection for community service, be it working with Robin Hood Army for hunger eradication or education sector in India. Giving back to society remains very close to my heart. I am associated with Lila Poonawalla Foundation, been a Peace Ambassador UK 2017 in collaboration with Asha Centre Gloucestershire. I supported for girls' education by spreading a word for the importance of education and awareness on women heath, and am volunteering at the Leeds Refugee forum. I have also worked towards cancer awareness and received two Guinness world records.

Now, as I pursue my MBA, I have stepped into another leadership role as a Course Representative. I help bridge the gap between students and the University, ensuring that concerns are heard and addressed. Beyond academics, I am also the President and licence holder for a TEDx event taking place at the University this year. Building this platform from the ground up and making everything come together has been both challenging and deeply rewarding.

I think if each one of us contributed in our own small way, the world would truly become a better place. My support is always well received in the community and I am able to make a difference in the lives of people, who cannot reach basic needs. I have received support at crucial moments in my life. That kindness has stayed with me and filled me with gratitude. It motivates me to give back and extend the same support to others whenever possible. 

Christine Ly

BSc International Business with foundation year (expected 2026) 

President – LUBSSoc and also British Chinese Society
Cultural Heritage: China, Nationality: British (Grew up in the UK)

I had the privilege of being part of two major societies and serving as President for both (British Chinese Society & Leeds University Business School Society).  I volunteered to organize social events and workshops, and through these roles, I gained invaluable leadership experience, strengthened my professional network, and helped create lasting memories for students by giving back and making their experiences meaningful. It taught me that growth often comes from pushing yourself outside your comfort zone. 

My advice is to start small and follow your interests. Look for opportunities that align with your passions. Even small contributions can create meaningful change, and you will often gain far more than you expect in terms of experience, confidence and connections. The key is to keep pushing yourself, take initiative, and embrace challenges. You never know at what you can achieve.

Dr Meenakshi Sarkar

MA Human Resource Management (2013)

Deputy Programme Director MA Human Resource Management, Leeds University Business School
Organiser of the LUBS Diwali Celebrations
Nationality/cultural heritage: British Indian 

International students often face many challenges other than academic ones when they move to the UK. As an international student myself, I often missed celebrating festivals like Holi or Diwali in the UK. So, when I became a staff member, I advocated for celebrating Holi, Diwali and Diversity in the Business School. This called for giving my time outside of the work loaded hours to organise an event of that stature and scale. For the last two years we have been celebrating Diwali involving over 300 participants, with over 20 student volunteers, and staff all enjoying the 'Festival of Lights' bringing together people from diverse backgrounds as one community. The sheer joy of watching performances of our students and staff in the programme and students enjoying Pani puri, samosas, paneer tikka, and gazar halua together was deeply meaningful. What I gained? Love, admiration, respect, and the gratefulness of students but also staff who valued being invited and included in an Indian festival, and quite a few Partnership Award nominations!
 
I realise 'Give to Gain' is controversial as an IWD theme. In my own culture, we believe in 'karma', so we do not give to gain. We give. Period. However, 'giving' does give you back in many ways. Women give already so much through their caring responsibilities and the many sacrifices they make. This IWD, I would invite everyone (especially men) to give openheartedly. Giving does not have to be material. Give your time, your love, your support, your encouragement, your knowledge to those who might benefit from it. A simple act of care for your students, other staff, and colleagues go a long way. What you will gain in these simple acts of giving might not be material, but if you value, love, appreciation, and respect then giving is gainful. Remember people (specially students) don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.