International Women's Day - A Cause for Reflection and Celebration

As we mark International Women’s Day during Women’s History Month, it is also a moment to reflect on the women, past and present, whose contributions continue to shape our workplaces and our world.

The 8th of March 2026 is International Women’s Day (IWD). As a newly formed and still growing Communications and Engagement Team of 12 women within the Jobs and Careers Service Programme Change Team with DWP, this seems like the perfect opportunity to reflect on what IWD means to us as individuals as well as a team and recognise and celebrate our value as well as our achievements.

While our all-women team characteristic is one of pure chance, we have certainly demonstrated this year’s IWD theme of ‘Give to Gain’ since we began ‘forming’ in January this year. The theme encourages generosity, collaboration and support and we’ve certainly seen a lot of that on the JCS Comms and Engagement Team, with some of us joining from other parts of the business and others moving within the team to take up new roles and pick up high priority work, while being fully supportive of each other and fostering a culture of inclusion.

Collaboration and support are how change happens. When we invest in each other, networks grow stronger and opportunities increase. We work together to utilise our variety of experience and wide-ranging skills to achieve our collective goals. We work together to make it work.

I asked my team colleagues what IWD means to them. One of them shared a sign that her daughter carried at an IWD parade, ‘Women Are Cool’ which sums it up nicely. It is easy to forget how far we have come. Imagine a workplace without women and all the insight, talent and knowledge that would be lost. Our team would not exist at all if it weren't for some hard fought battles by some inspiring women over the years. It is important to acknowledge that everyone benefits when we are all treated equally.

Two of my colleagues shared quotes that resonate with them.

‘It actually doesn’t take much to be considered a difficult woman. That’s why there are so many of us.’ (Jane)

‘I do not wish women to have power over men, but over themselves.’ (Mary)

The reflections and quotes shared by my team speak directly to our shared experience embracing challenge, owning our strengths, and supporting one another as we grow. They resonate because they reflect exactly who we are: a group of women who step up, speak up, and encourage each other. And that is the foundation of the change we make happen every day.

Reflecting on these moments reminds us of what we can achieve when we continue to challenge, inspire and celebrate one another. We’re here because of the women who changed the world before us, and we carry their legacy forward in the way we work, collaborate, and grow.

Here’s to the insight, talent, courage, and humour that women bring to every space and to our team, proving every day that positive change happens. Happy International Women’s Day! 

Author: Sarah