International Womens Day: Give To Gain.
It’s at the Heart of Mentoring
This year’s International Women’s Day theme: is Give To Gain.
As the organisers say:
“Give To Gain emphasises the power of reciprocity and support. When people, organisations, 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.”
Mentoring is one way for organisations to support this spirit of collaboration. It provides a two-way relationship built on trust, challenge, encouragement and shared growth.
Our recently published case study shows how Andi Varga, L&D manager at WWF-UK and Nicola Kent, Head of Organisational Development at YMCA St Paul’s Group benefitted from their mentoring relationship.
Here are two key take-aways:
Both mentor and mentee gain something powerful: confidence, motivation and a safe space to reflect. In Nicola’s experience, mentoring helped reinforce her sense of value and reduce feelings of imposter syndrome, while Andi found inspiration and support through a turbulent year.
Their story also highlights that giving is not about losing time or expertise, it is about multiplying opportunity. When learning flows in both directions, mentoring becomes a shared journey where women support women, celebrate achievements together and rise side by side.
Mentoring captures the true spirit of International Women’s Day because it turns the idea of ‘Give to Gain’ into meaningful action. By investing time, experience and encouragement in one another, women create a powerful ripple effect that strengthens individuals, teams and whole organisations. It is a practical, human way to share opportunity, build confidence and accelerate progress together.
This International Women’s Day, mentoring stands out as one of the most impactful ways to give generously and ensure that when one woman rises, many more rise with her.