Give to Gain: International Women’s Day 2026
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Today marks International Women's Day, a time when all of us stop to consider the contribution of women to our world and lives, and the unique challenges faced by women in an ever-changing world. In this piece, AUXILIARY-LIEUTENANT ROSY KEANE* reflects on what ‘Give to Gain’, the international United Nations theme of the day, means in the context of The Salvation Army.
The International Women’s Day 2026 theme, Give to Gain, highlights the power of reciprocity and shared flourishing. The IWD website explains that when people, organisations and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase.
The United Nations consistently affirms that educating girls and advancing gender equality are among the most significant contributors to global peace and prosperity. When women are given ways to thrive, the world gains as a whole.
For people of faith, this idea is not new. It sits at the heart of Christian community.
Recently, I visited The Salvation Army Auburn Corps (church) in New South Wales. As we gathered for worship, I was struck by the beauty of what I saw. A richly multicultural, intergenerational community. People of different ages, languages and cultural backgrounds worshipping side by side. Each person was welcomed, seen and valued for who they were and for the part they played in the body of Christ.
It felt like a glimpse of what the Church is meant to be.
In the Christian faith, we do not give in order to get something in return. We give and gain because healthy kingdom community is reciprocal and a supernatural economy that defies logic. We offer what we have, our gifts, money, skills, time, wisdom and compassion, to serve one another. We are called by God to give in times of need, as well as in times of plenty, and to bless the lives of both our friends and enemies. In doing so; we see the love of Jesus made manifest through ‘loving our neighbour as ourselves’.
Giving that changed the world
Scripture offers countless examples of women who lived this truth.
Esther used courage, wisdom and hospitality to save her people from genocide. Through her willingness to give her life and risk her position, an entire nation gained safety and a future.
In one of the shortest scriptures in the Bible; we find the words ‘Abigail acted quickly.” (1 Samuel 25:18). Abigail’s story is one of insight, prophetic words and strategic gifts. What she gave to would-be King David saved her household from destruction and gained her royal influence.
Mary gave her whole life when she responded to God with, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38). Through her ‘yes’, salvation entered the world and she became the mother of Christ. Through her, the world gained a saviour.
Priscilla gave her theological insight and wisdom, instructing Apollos so he could more accurately gain in the way of God (Acts 18:26). Her generosity of knowledge meant the early Church gained strength.
Anna gave decades of faithful prayer and prophetic witness, speaking over the infant Jesus and proclaiming redemption would be gained by all who were waiting (Luke 2:36–38).
Junia is named by Paul as “outstanding among the apostles” (Romans 16:7), giving leadership, intellect and courage so the message of Jesus Christ could gain momentum throughout the world.
From the public to the private, from the strategic to the unseen, these women gave what they had. Through their giving, whole communities gained life.
The question for us is this. What might Give to Gain look like in our own lives today?
As The Salvation Army, we believe in meeting human need without discrimination, motivated by the love of Jesus. Jesus himself is the ultimate example of Give to Gain. He gave his life so that women and men, young and old, might find peace, salvation and hope.
While we know women across the world continue to be disproportionately affected by intimate partner violence, poverty, lack of access to education, medical bias, climate-related vulnerability, and discrimination shaped by gender, culture and religion - women also continue to give themselves to the flourishing of environments, families, communities, enterprise, churches and nations.
This International Women’s Day, if you are a follower of Jesus, would you pray with us for women around the world. Pray for safety, dignity, opportunity and new life.
And if you are still exploring faith, perhaps you might pause and consider this question. What could it look like for you today to give something that helps women in your world gain life in all its fullness?
When women thrive, we all gain together. This is the Jesus way.
* Auxiliary-Lieutenant Rosy Keane is the Territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development
READ MORE: To read about how we might view threats to women's safety online, see this piece from Star Conliffe.
