International Women’s Day 2026: Supporting Midlands Women’s Aid with the “Give to Gain” Initiative
International Women’s Day 2026 is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women across the world while also recognising the work still needed to achieve equality, safety, and opportunity for all.
Recognised globally on the 8th March, International Women’s Day encourages individuals, businesses, and communities to support initiatives that empower women and promote gender equality.
At Okarno, International Women’s Day is also an important moment to highlight a partnership that means a great deal to us. Our long-standing collaboration with Midlands Women’s Aid, an organisation dedicated to supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse.
This year we are proud to support the International Women’s Day campaign theme, “Give to Gain.”
The initiative encourages people and organisations to give their time, resources, support, or donations to help create opportunities and positive change for women everywhere.
Supporting Midlands Women’s Aid
For more than a decade, Okarno has proudly worked alongside Midlands Women’s Aid, supporting their vital work helping women and children rebuild their lives after domestic abuse.
Midlands Women’s Aid provides:
- Safe refuge accommodation
- Specialist domestic abuse support services
- Advocacy and guidance for women and families
- Resources that help survivors regain independence and confidence
Their work ensures that women escaping abuse have access to safety, stability, and the support required to begin a new chapter.
Through our partnership, we have supported their refuges and contributed to creating safe, welcoming environments that are essential for recovery and rebuilding confidence.
The work carried out by their team is both inspiring and essential, and we are proud to play a small part in supporting their mission.
Supporting the “Give to Gain” Initiative Through Donations
To mark International Women’s Day 2026, we also set up a donation station across our business in support of the Give to Gain Initiative.
Colleagues were encouraged to donate essential toiletries and everyday items for the women and children supported by Midlands Women’s Aid.
The response from our team was fantastic, with colleagues generously donating a wide range of items including everyday essentials that can make a real difference for families living in refuge accommodation.
While these items may seem small, they provide comfort, dignity, and practical support for families during an incredibly difficult time.
We are incredibly proud of the generosity shown by our colleagues and grateful for everyone who contributed.
The Give to Gain initiative highlights how even small acts of giving can create meaningful impact, helping support women and families in need.
A Message from Our Managing Director
On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength and achievements of women everywhere. It’s also a reminder that many women still face barriers to safety, opportunity and equality. Our partnership with the Women’s Refuge is one way that we support women who are rebuilding their lives after difficult experiences. I’m proud that our organisation can play a small part in that support and I’m grateful to every colleague who helps make it possible.
The Power of Community Partnerships
Our partnership with Midlands Women’s Aid has spanned more than ten years, and during that time we have seen first-hand the positive impact that dedicated organisations can have within their communities.
A spokesperson from Midlands Women’s Aid shared:
“Over the years, your partnership has helped make a huge difference for the women and children we support in our refuge. Okarno are an incredible support and an integral part of our success. Without your support our refuge wouldn’t be the same.”
Hearing how partnerships can make a tangible difference reinforces why supporting community organisations remains such an important part of our values as a business.
Why International Women’s Day Matters
International Women’s Day is about more than celebration. It is about awareness, action, and meaningful support.
Across the UK, many women and families continue to face challenges including domestic abuse, inequality, and barriers to opportunity.
Organisations like Midlands Women’s Aid provide essential services that help women regain safety, independence, and confidence.
Campaigns like International Women’s Day’s “Give to Gain” initiative encourage businesses, organisations, and communities to work together to support women and accelerate progress towards equality.
By raising awareness and supporting organisations that provide direct help, we can contribute to lasting change.
Looking Ahead
As we mark International Women’s Day 2026, we want to recognise the incredible work carried out by the team at Midlands Women’s Aid and the resilience of the women and children they support every day.
We are proud of our long-standing partnership and look forward to continuing to support their work for many years to come.
If you would like to learn more about the support services provided by Midlands Women’s Aid, visit: https://mwa.org.uk
You can also learn more about the International Women’s Day “Give to Gain” campaign here:
https://www.internationalwomensday.com/
Together, through awareness, partnership, and action, we can continue to support women and families across our communities.