On March 8, 2026, International Women’s Day will be celebrated throughout the world: its theme this year is “Give to Gain”. This short phrase is a reminder urging us to act positively in supporting the world’s women and girls whatever their circumstances.
We ICJW women have always considered ‘Giving ’ as one of our main responsibilities – as witness our many affiliate organisations’ work and responsibilities for their communities which frequently include both Jewish and non Jewish recipients.
What about ‘Gain’? This year’s IWD theme ‘Give to Gain ‘aims to remind women of our responsibility to all women and girls, an appeal to us to lend our support and assistance to women and girls worldwide as we work towards gender equality in many fields.
As Jewish women we have for decades worked hand in hand with women’s organisations all over the world, many times with joint programs for the betterment of women and girls.
The fact that UN Women all over the world has distanced itself from Jewish women’s organisations such as ours, and has maintained its silence on the atrocities wreaked upon women in Israel on October 7 2023 and the following years as hostages, lessens the sincerity of the messages sent to women’s organisations worldwide and suggests that selectivity from their global reach is continuing. Disappointingly those who speak of the highest ideals do not always attain them.
Nevertheless, ICJW maintains its principled ideals and continues to work for improved lives, security and education for all women and girls around the world.
Best wishes for your International Women’s Day!
Robyn Lenn OAM
Chair, ICJW Status of Women
