Give to Gain

In 2025, an initiative to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) was sparked by a former colleague Serah Jones; it was really well received and supported, as we welcomed one of our Board members, Theresa Ardler, to share from her wisdom and experience.  We acknowledge the leadership of Serah and Theresa in generously creating this space and time for us to take a moment to reflect.   

This past week we built on this, again celebrating and recognising International Women’s Day. It was a chance to recognise how far we’ve come in advancing women’s rights, and to acknowledge the challenges we still need to tackle together.  

On International Women’s Day, on Dharug country, we especially recognised the shoulders of female pioneers that have gone before us. Notable among these a Dharug Woman - Aunty Edna Watson - who despite facing untold discrimination, showed courage and unwavering commitment to keeping the Dharug language, knowledge and culture alive, including developing a curriculum for schools across Western Sydney to help revitalise and preserve the Dharug language for future generations.   

This year's theme for IWD is Give to Gain - that by giving and supporting others we all benefit - that contributing in any way – large or small - to women's advancement helps create a more supportive and interconnected world.  

Our celebration was in two parts; initially an 'In conversation' with Zena Dib, one of our Youth Workers in ITC and recipient of our 2025 Champagnat Day Young Achiever Award and Lorraine Salloum one of our Board Members who herself has been a pioneer in Disability Services.  We were delighted to have Lorraine and Zena explore their journeys with us, where they have received to gain and what paying it forward looks like.  Following the 'In Conversation' Zena and Lorraine were joined by Nakiya Smith, our Cultural Coordinator, a proud Wiradjuri and Kamilaroi woman and Joanne Cheng, our Intake and Referral Coordinator, to further explore Giving to Gain in a panel discussion.   

Jane, Nakiya, Lorraine, Zena and Jo. 

Lorraine reflected on the experience later that day, and offered the following: 

‘Today I had the privilege - both as a Board Member of Marist180 and as a guest speaker - to be part of a truly meaningful International Women’s Day 2026 event, centred on the theme: When we give, we gain.  The Give to Gain campaign speaks to a truth I’ve witnessed throughout my career: giving is not a loss. It’s intentional multiplication. When we invest in women through advocacy, visibility, opportunity, knowledge or simply time, we expand what becomes possible - not just for individuals, but for whole communities. When women thrive, we all rise. 

I was honoured to sit “In Conversation” with the extraordinary Zena Dib, the 2025 Champagnat Young Achiever of the Year. Her courage, generosity and grounded leadership were inspiring. Together we reflected on the anchor moments that shaped our journeys - the people who backed us, opened doors, or used their influence to shift our trajectory.  We spoke about how leadership is never a solo journey. Every step forward is connected to someone who gave. And as leaders today, our role is to turn that personal generosity into structural generosity - systems and cultures that lift others long after we’re gone.  I loved being part of the day and having the chance to speak with so many incredible women. The stories shared - of resilience, advocacy, cultural strength, and quiet leadership - reminded me again that difference is not something to ‘manage’; it is a deep source of wisdom and capability. 

I then joined a powerful panel alongside Zena, Nakiya Smith and Jo Cheng, beautifully facilitated by Jane Powles.   

Together we explored: 

✨ What ‘lifting as we climb’ actually looks like in 2026 

✨ Why sponsorship - not just mentorship - changes futures 

✨ The subtle biases still shaping women’s experiences 

✨ How true inclusion is built through belonging, not conformity 

✨ The role of reciprocity and shared responsibility in gender equality 

✨ How interconnected, supportive workplaces are intentionally designed  

One idea was echoed throughout the morning: Generosity accelerates impact. Reciprocity sustains it. Shared responsibility transforms it.  

And the most powerful question we were invited to reflect on was: What will you give to gain gender equality?  

Whether it’s mentoring, advocacy, visibility, resources, cultural knowledge, or simply stepping into someone’s corner - giving has the power to rewrite trajectories.  

Thank you to the entire Marist180 community for creating a space that was honest, uplifting and deeply connected. As a Board Member, I could not be prouder of the generosity, compassion and commitment I witnessed today.  

Here’s to lifting as we climb - together - and building systems where generosity isn’t an exception, but the norm.’ 

Jane, Jo, Nakiya, Lorraine and Zena. 

Many thanks to Lorraine, Zena, Nakiya, Jo and Jane. This International Women’s Day, we honour the courage and leadership of women facing the any manner of challenges. And we honour supporters who walk with them, through giving, listening, sharing and amplifying their stories. We thank and acknowledge everyone who supported and contributed to this event. Together, and by association, we are ‘creating positive change’.