International Women’s Day on March 8 celebrates women’s triumphs and the push for equality. This year’s “Give to Gain” theme nails it: we all rise when women lift each other up. From India to the world, events, campaigns, and projects spark inclusivity and opportunity. Women’s grit, heart, and leadership transform homes, offices, schools, hospitals, and newsrooms. Sure, hurdles like inequality, biases, and safety linger-but empowerment never stops. “Give to Gain” means mentoring girls, building supportive workplaces, and choosing teamwork over rivalry. Share your know-how and chances; it sparks confidence and shared wins, not scarcity. Organizations and schools make it real with leadership training and open talks. Women’s Day is not just one day-it is our nudge to keep going, lend a hand, and nurture respect, fairness, and grace.
Daily Excelsior reached out to a cross section of women belonging to different occupations to know what International Women’s Day means to them.
Her journey in her words………
On this Women’s Day, we do not merely celebrate a date-we honor a direction. In harmony with the 2026 declaration of UNESCO, the world is reminded that equality is not a distant summit, but a shared horizon. It is built in classrooms where girls learn without limits, in laboratories where women innovate without barriers, and in communities where leadership wears no single gendered face. A woman is not just strength wrapped in grace-she is memory and momentum. She carries stories once silenced and turns them into symphonies of change. She is the quiet architect of peace, the fierce defender of dignity, the patient gardener of tomorrow’s hope. This day asks us not only to applaud women’s achievements, but to examine the structures around us-our words, our policies, our prejudices-and reshape them with justice as the foundation and respect as the design.
“May we move beyond symbolism into solidarity.
May equality cease to be an aspiration and become a habit.
May every girl grow not into permission, but into possibility.
For when women rise, humanity does not compete-it evolves.”
Prof. Garmia Gupta
HoD, Journalism and Media studies
University of Jammu
Having inner peace, having a clear goal, and being in control of one’s own path are the keys to true empowerment. At peace entails taking responsibility for our time and building a secure future for our loved ones. Empowerment is about being human, motivated, and confident without regard to labels. It is important that individuals who have achieved stability must support others in their ascent by working together to close gaps. Progress is only significant when everyone is empowered to determine their own role in society and feel appreciated and respected.
Dr. Priyanka Talashi
MD, MBBS, Department of Health and Medical Education
SDH Jagti
“Give to Gain” is a potent reminder of group development in honor of International Women’s Day. When women encourage, support, and mentor one another, society is strengthened in addition to individuals. Creating inclusive places help in promoting shared success rather than impeding individual advancement. Genuine empowerment is found in harmony, when self-assurance and purpose co-exist. When one woman succeeds, many more follow the suit.
Dr. Vandana Khajuria
Head, English Department
Cluster University of Jammu’s GGM Science College
A woman gives-often quietly, often without applause. She gives her time, her wisdom, her strength, her unwavering faith in others. And yet, in that giving, she does not lose herself-she discovers her power. “Give to Gain” is the story of every woman who has nurtured dreams, built institutions, guided generations, and still carried grace in her stride. When a woman is given respect, opportunity, and trust, she gives back excellence, integrity, and transformation. Today, let us honour not only the sacrifices women make, but the leadership they embody. Let us create spaces where their voices are heard, their efforts recognised, and their aspirations supported. Because when women are empowered to give their fullest potential, the world gains its brightest future.
Dr. Alpana Vohra
Associate Professor, Zoology
Dean, DYD & HoD, MCMP
GCW Parade
On International Women’s Day 2026, the theme “Give to Gain” highlights the transformative power of kindness, empathy, and mutual support in promoting women’s mental well-being. The message encourages women and communities to recognize that acts of giving such as offering emotional support, encouragement, and compassion, qualities that women often demonstrate across cultures which significantly enhances the mental health. The “Give to Gain” theme serves as an important reminder that compassion not only benefits those who receive it but also enriches the mental and psychological well-being of those who give it.
Dr Pallavi Sachdeva
HoD, Psychology
University of Jammu
Women play a vital role in the healthcare industry. They frequently provide some of the most sympathetic and humanitarian services in this honourable profession while working as a nursing supervisor. Women currently make up around 70% of the global health workforce, including physicians, nurses, technicians, and administrators. Their commitment and compassion are the cornerstones of patient care. “Give to Gain” highlights how women enhance communities and achieve respect, recognition, and collective advancement by providing care, dedication, and service to the society.
Girja Pandith
Former Supervisor of Nursing
For completion and perfection in human affairs, participation of women is quintessential. Endowed with special gifts they manoeuvre through difficult times with a responsible attitude. An aspiration towards congenial advancement among women can properly the efforts of humankind to progress and attain advancement in the world. As such, the power of women is now exhibited through their attainment rather than proclaiming it by words.
Dr. Sarita Sood
Senior Assistant Professor, Psychology
University of Jammu
Women’s Day is a reminder that empowering women is essential for building a fair and progressive society. Women empowerment means giving women the freedom, confidence, and opportunities to make their own decisions and contribute equally in every field of life. It includes access to education, equal employment opportunities, safety, and respect.
Vanshika Sharma
PG Student, Journalism and Media Studies
University of Jammu
Women are the backbone of a strong society, resilient, and capable of managing both home and professional responsibilities with remarkable dedication. Every day is Women’s Day because women continuously inspire, nurture, and lead in every sphere of life. From brave warriors like Rani Lakshmibai to pioneers like Kalpana Chawla, women have shown that courage and determination know no limits. Today’s women are making their mark in every field, proving that strength and ambition go hand in hand. The theme “Give to Gain” reminds us that when women uplift and support one another, they not only empower individuals but strengthen society.
Chetna Koul
PG Student, Journalism and Media Studies
University of Jammu
Thinking of all the incredible women in my life – mom, mom-in-law, teacher, mentor leader, sister, sister-in-law, boss – who all kept pushing forward with grit and grace. When we share our victories, magical doors of opportunities open. We do not lose by giving, in fact we emerge stronger and grow in abundance. In boardrooms, classrooms, or our neighborhoods, we “light” up the moments. Let us keep choosing kindness over competition and build a fairer world. Small steps are the way forward, after all small is beautiful.
Dr. Ravia Gupta
Assistant Professor
Department of Journalism & Media Studies
University of Jammu
International Women’s Day means a lot to women across the world. It is a slow but significant acknowledgement of their immense contribution to society and to the nation. Despite their tireless efforts and achievements in every sphere of life-be it education, administration, science, arts, or the nurturing of families-society often hesitates to fully recognize and celebrate their role. Women continue to break barriers and prove their strength, resilience, and capability in the face of numerous challenges. On this day, it becomes important not only to celebrate their achievements but also to reaffirm our commitment towards equality, respect, and opportunities for women in all walks of life. A progressive society can truly flourish only when women are empowered, valued, and given the recognition they rightfully deserve.
Pushpa Bhat
Principal, Government Higher Secondary School (Camp), Roop Nagar, Jammu
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