International Women’s Day 2026: Empowering Women to Give, Gain and Grow Across Defence

As we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026, we reflect on this year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” and the women across Defence who lead, inspire and uplift others every day. IWD gives us a moment to recognise the progress we’ve made, highlight achievements, and acknowledge the people whose contributions shape the Defence organisation we continue to build for the future.

Across Defence, initiatives such as the Women in Defence mentoring scheme, now in its sixth successful year, continue to strengthen networks and support career progression. Combined with expanded flexible working options, Defence is creating an environment where everyone, striving to balance demanding roles, personal growth and caring responsibilities, can thrive throughout their careers.

Because when our people thrive, our organisation thrives.

And when women are empowered to contribute fully, through leadership, learning, and giving back, we build a more capable, resilient and inclusive Defence.

One powerful example of “Give to Gain” in action comes from Sylvia’s recent volunteering day, an experience that perfectly reflects how the MOD enables women to take opportunities that enhance both personal fulfilment and professional growth.

Giving Back Through Volunteering: Sylvia’s Story

Rare Disease Day at Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust

Guy’s and St Thomas’ is one of the UK’s leading centres for rare disease care, research and genomics. Each year, they mark Rare Disease Day with events to raise awareness, celebrate the rare disease community, and support patients and their families.

For Sylvia, this year’s event was especially meaningful. With a family member affected by a rare disease, the cause is deeply personal, so when the charity she volunteers with asked her to attend on their behalf, she knew instantly it was the right thing to do. Just as importantly, she knew she had the full backing of her team.

The MOD offers up to six paid volunteering days a year, recognising the value volunteering brings to individuals, charities and to Defence itself. This support empowers women, and all colleagues, to pursue causes they care about, develop new skills, and bring enriched perspectives back into the workplace.

On the day, Sylvia had the chance to meet research fellows, healthcare professionals, the Trust’s Chief Executive, and even an MP from the Health and Social Care Select Committee. With little time to prepare, she delivered key messages from the charity clearly and confidently, breaking down complex medical topics into meaningful, accessible information.

Those conversations have now opened doors for future collaboration, a testament to how giving time and expertise can create lasting impact.

What Sylvia Brought Back to Defence

Her experience reinforced:

• The importance of grabbing opportunities when they appear
• Keeping focused on a clear, memorable message
• And the power of telling an engaging story

It was a meaningful day that enriched her both personally and professionally, the perfect reflection of this year’s IWD theme.

Building a Defence Where Everyone Can Give and Gain

Sylvia’s story is just one example of how Defence encourages women to take meaningful opportunities, contribute to their communities, and bring fresh insights back to their teams. By supporting volunteering, mentoring and flexible working, we create the conditions for everyone to thrive.

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women who lead, those who uplift others, and those who give their time, their skills and their voice to make a difference.

Together, by giving our support, our insight and our example, we build a Defence where everyone can achieve their full potential and where giving back helps us all to gain.