OPSSU Members Dawn Sutter, Wendy Williams, Bradi Watson, Anita VanHise, Karen Gventer, from the Owen Sound Regional office attended the Interntional Women’s Day (IWD) Breakfast held in support of Women’s Centre Grey Bruce. Great way to show support to such an important cause! We love OPSSU representation in the community.
Since 1911, IWD belongs to all who care about gender equality. Celebrate women’s achievement. Raise awareness about discrimination. Take action to forge gender parity. All IWD activity is valid, that’s what makes IWD so inclusive. This year’s 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?
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.
At work, at home, and in the community, there are many ways to overtly advance women.
- Give respect
- Give donations
- Give visibility
- Give knowledge
- Give funding
- Give justice
- Give resources
- Give a voice
- Give protection
- Give truth
- Give equal pay
- Give celebration
- Give sponsorship
- Give mentoring
- Give credit
- Give budget
- Give introductions
- Give workshops
- Give opportunities
- Give safety
- Give training
- Give stretch assignments
- Give momentum
- Give role models
- Give growth
- Give access
- Give time
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.
2026 sees the 115th year of IWD.
Together, let’s Give To Gain for gender equality.