London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

International Women’s Day is not only about celebrating women’s achievements, but also recognising the power of community. This year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” feels especially meaningful within the student community at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), where many of us are learning not only from our studies, but also from each other.

When I asked a few fellow students what the theme meant to them, one idea came up again and again: sisterhood.

Diana, an MSc Public Health student, described International Women’s Day as a celebration of women supporting women. For her, it’s about the importance of having a strong community that creates safe spaces where women can feel supported, encouraged and heard. In a global university like LSHTM, that sense of solidarity becomes even more powerful as women from different cultures and backgrounds come together. 

Danai, also studying MSc Public Health, reflected on how mentorship often begins at home. As the eldest of four siblings, she has naturally taken on the role of mentor within her family. For her, “Give to Gain” is about extending that same guidance beyond family - seeking out women role models, sharing advice, and creating opportunities for others.

For Therese, an MSc Climate Change & Planetary Health student, the theme centres on kindness. She described “Give to Gain” as the idea of passing kindness forward - recognising that while we may not always be able to return the kindness we receive directly, we can pass it on to someone else who needs it. 

Kharylle, a fellow coursemate of mine, reflected on the generational impact of giving back. She explained that “Give to Gain” means uplifting and empowering others, just as her own community has empowered her.

Vanessa, also studying Public Health, highlighted another important perspective: balance. For her, the phrase is a reminder that showing up for others should not mean abandoning ourselves. By prioritising her own wellbeing first, she finds she has the energy and capacity to give to others without becoming depleted.

Personally, I resonate with all of these reflections. Since joining LSHTM, I’ve met incredible women from all over the world, and experiencing that sense of global sisterhood has been one of the most meaningful parts of my time here - I certainly look forward to building on these precious friendships beyond my MSc!

To me, “Give to Gain” speaks to generosity: giving your time, support or kindness to make someone else’s day a little easier. Sometimes those acts are small but meaningful. One of my close friends from the programme, Tioluwa, will often message me when she’s visiting African food shops in Peckham to ask if I want plantain, puff-puff or suya. As Nigerians living in central London, where it can be difficult to find Nigerian food shops nearby, those small acts of thoughtfulness mean a lot.

In many ways, that’s what International Women’s Day represents: the everyday ways women uplift one another; sometimes we give advice, sometimes encouragement, and sometimes simply kindness, but through those acts, we all gain a stronger community!

So this International Women’s Day, what does “Give to Gain” mean to you? How might you pass it forward to your loved communities?

Thank you for reading! Happy International Women's Day!

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