IWD 2026 – Giving to Gain at Making Space
Published 2 March 2026
Making Space is proud to support International Women’s Day 2026 and this year’s theme, Give To Gain.
When we give, we gain. This year’s theme highlights the power of generosity, collaboration, and reciprocity in driving gender equality. Whether through time, advocacy, mentorship, opportunity, or compassion, giving is not a subtraction, it is intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise.
At Making Space, we see this every day. Across our charity, women give their leadership, expertise, lived experience, and care to strengthen our communities and support one another. In doing so, they help build a more equal, inclusive future, not only within our organisation, but across the social care sector.
We remain committed to gender equality and are proud to have strong female leadership at every level of our organisation. By championing women’s voices, supporting career progression, and creating spaces where women feel heard and valued, we continue to play our part in forging lasting change.
This year, we are celebrating four inspiring women who embody the spirit of Give To Gain:
Jessica Carmody – Trustee, Making Space
Jessica joined the Making Space Board of Trustees in March 2025, bringing a wealth of experience in business transformation alongside a genuine commitment to people and wellbeing. She began her career through the Teach First programme before spending 13 years in management consulting, working across the UK and internationally. Now Head of Enterprise Systems Change at the Francis Crick Institute, Jessica is passionate about ensuring change delivers meaningful benefits for staff. A dedicated advocate for mental health, she brings her lived experience, generosity, and values-led approach to Making Space, making her a trusted and valued member of our Board. Find out more about Jessica here.
Shahida – Volunteer and person who draws on support from Making Space
Shahida is an inspiring woman whose resilience and compassion make a real difference to those around her. Through her volunteering at her local community café, she supports men in rehabilitation by preparing and serving meals, offering warmth, encouragement and dignity. She has previously volunteered in community initiatives and worked as a mental health educator, even receiving a Making Space Volunteering Award for her contribution. Despite facing significant personal challenges, Shahida continues to show strength, purpose and determination. Her commitment to helping others, building connections and giving back to her community truly embodies the spirit of International Women’s Day.
Jane McGee – Making Space Support Worker, Manchester
Jane is the heart of Beyer Lodge Care Home. With more than 30 years of dedication, she brings warmth, consistency, and genuine compassion to everything she does. Since joining in 1995, Jane has gone above and beyond across multiple roles - from Support Worker and Activities Co-ordinator to Bank Chef - recently stepping seamlessly into a full-time cook’s role while still supporting residents and colleagues wherever needed. She creates moments that matter, from meaningful activities and trips to thoughtful personal touches that make residents feel truly at home. Described by colleagues as a “ray of sunshine” and a trusted role model, Jane leads with kindness, humility, and quiet strength. Her impact on residents, families, and staff is immeasurable, and she represents the very best of social care.
Wendy – Volunteer & Making Change Group member
Wendy is a passionate Volunteer and member of our Making Change Group, using her voice to help other women find theirs. Growing up as the only girl among six brothers, she experienced first-hand what it felt like not to be heard, something that has shaped her determination to support gender equality today. Wendy volunteers to ensure women feel valued, listened to, and never alone. Drawing on her background in mental health nursing and her own lived experience, she offers empathy, guidance, and practical signposting to those who need it most. Having previously run The Friendly Bunch Support Group, Wendy has seen the power of connection in helping women grow in confidence and step into their own strength. She describes volunteering as both rewarding and empowering - not only giving back, but gaining purpose, community, and the opportunity to help amplify the female voice.
Rachel Peacock, Making Space CEO, said:
This year’s theme, Give To Gain, resonates deeply with us at Making Space. Every day, I see women across our charity giving their time, expertise, compassion and courage to support others. That generosity creates opportunity, builds confidence, and strengthens communities. When we invest in women - when we truly listen and create space for their voices - we don’t just support individuals, we create lasting, positive change for everyone.
This International Women’s Day, we invite you to reflect: what will you Give To Gain gender equality?
Follow International Women’s Day 2026 using #IWD2026 #GiveToGain and find out more at internationalwomensday.com