International Women’s Day 2026 at Hall Green Family Hub

International Women’s Day 2026 took place on Sunday the 8th of March. In the lead-up to this worldwide celebration of women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements, last week Hall Green Family Hub hosted a range of creative and thought-provoking activities.

Give to Gain

Our Stay and Play session took inspiration from the theme of International Women’s Day 2026 – “Give to Gain.” The children and women took part in creative and interactive experiences that encouraged kindness, sharing, and appreciation for the important women in our lives.

Through crafting and group discussions, we explored the idea that when we give support, respect, and encouragement to others, we all gain stronger connections. It was a wonderful opportunity to come together, celebrate the achievements of women, and inspire even our youngest explorers.

The women who took part in the session said:

• “I enjoyed the activity. It made me think about all the good qualities women have.”
• “Thank you for creating a space where women and families can come together and feel supported.”
• “Today reminded me that when we give kindness and support to others, we gain stronger friendships and a happier community.”
• “It was a great reminder that small acts of kindness can make a big difference for everyone.”

Our Footsteps session also explored the theme of “Give to Gain.”

One of the parents who took part said: “As SEND parents, we often give our time, energy, advocacy, and patience to support our children and families. This session focused on recognising how supporting one another helps to gain strength, resilience, confidence, and hope.”

Parents took part in a reflective activity where they shared one thing they had gained from another parent or supporter. The sheets were then passed around the group so everyone could add positive affirmations and words of encouragement. By the time the sheets returned to their owners, they were filled with uplifting messages that helped parents feel valued and empowered.

The activity encouraged reflection, connection, and community. Many parents shared that they often do not give themselves enough credit for the support they provide every day, and the session helped them recognise their own strength. Although inspired by International Women’s Day, the activity was inclusive to both women and men, and all parents engaged positively.

The parents who took part in the session said:

• “When we give encouragement, we gain community. When we share knowledge, we gain confidence. When we stand together, we gain strength.”
• ‘This activity really reminded me that we are not alone in our journeys.”
• “The encouragement from other parents made me feel supported and understood.”
• “It was uplifting to read the positive messages from other parents.”

“There is light at the end of the tunnel.”

Finally, we’d like to share a message from a woman who engaged with the services of Hall Green Family Hub during a particularly challenging period of her life…

“For a long time, I didn’t realise that what I was experiencing wasn’t normal. It was only when I opened up to my family that I found the strength to recognise the mental, emotional, and coercive control I was living with. Their support gave me a voice and the courage to leave when the time felt right for me.

With the help of community services, my GP, and programmes like the Freedom Programme, which my Family Support worker referred me to at the Family Hub, I found hope, healing, and empowerment. Community facilities play such a vital role for families, offering guidance, safe spaces, and invaluable support when it is needed most. That support not only helped me rebuild my life but also inspired me to empower others.

I published my book to raise awareness for women impacted by domestic abuse. My journey is still ongoing, but I continue to move forward with strength, resilience, and a positive mindset.

This International Women’s Day, and through the theme “Give to Gain,” my message is simple:

There is light at the end of the tunnel. No matter the obstacles, you can seek courage and ask for help.

When we give our stories, our courage, and our support to others, we gain strength, hope, and the power to help someone else find their way forward.”

At Together St Paul’s, we are proud to work with and for the women in our local communities – not just on International Women’s Day, but every day. We’d like to thank the team at Hall Green Family Hub for the amazing work they do all year round.