06 March 2026

International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8th. The day marks a call to action for advancing gender equality.

This year, the theme is ‘Give to Gain’, which emphasises the power of reciprocity and support. This awareness day is key to inspiring and empowering women and young girls.

Significant barriers to gender equality remain, but positive progress can be made for women everywhere. The Give to Gain campaign encourages a mindset of community and collaboration. To celebrate this, NAPIT is shining a light on giving a voice, giving advice, and giving support.  

Recognising women who have supported you is a great way to reflect and share how important it is to have a community of women. Rebecca, a Complaints Coordinator at NAPIT, shared how another woman has supported her in her career journey. 

She said: “When I came from my previous role to NAPIT, I felt like I'd lost a lot of my confidence and self-esteem. A particular member of staff here at NAPIT has really helped to build me up again, and I've really got my sparkle back.”

She highlighted that affirmations are a great day-to-day practice that can help you succeed. She said, “Affirmations really help. Today's affirmation is ‘everything is temporary’, that's good and bad. I like to hold on to the good, and when I'm having a bad day, I know that that won't ever last.”

And advice to the next generation of women, Rebecca added: “I think what's really important in this day and age is knowing that blowing out someone else's candle won't ever make yours shine any brighter.”

Application Coordinator, Francesca said: “When facing self-doubt, I stay confident because of my friends and my mother believing in me. Empowerment to me means sticking together and supporting each other through challenging days.”

Operational Administrator Emma shared inspiring advice for the next generation of women, the very same advice she has passed on to her two daughters. Emma said: “Do the best that you can, get the best out of life and get the most qualifications as they can't get taken away from you. 

“Sometimes, as females, we don't get that equal opportunity that men do, so get that experience, and do what you can. But for my girls, I said, go and travel, try and do as much as you can, and really enjoy life. 

“If things fail, it’s good sometimes, because you learn from your mistakes. I just want to say to anybody out there, go and try things. 

“Don't be frightened, and don't let anything limit you. You can do anything. Sometimes you have to do it yourself, and that's hard. Anything is possible.”

As part of International Women’s Day at NAPIT, staff celebrated with some cakes, inspirational words and quotes, and a tombola which raised donations for our chosen charity, Ashgate Hospice.

Sarah Lowe, Finance and Operations Director, said: “This International Women’s Day, NAPIT is proud to celebrate women and girls across the globe, including our dedicated staff and NAPIT members. 

“The Give to Gain campaign is a great way to highlight different voices and experiences, so that other women and girls can feel supported and empowered.”