Volunteer this International Women’s Day

Purple white and blue abstract shapes alongside the text 'International Women's Day' and the Maia logo.

With the theme for this year’s International Women’s Day being ‘Give to Gain’, Maia, Loughborough University’s Women’s Network, are encouraging staff to use your Employer Supported Volunteering (ESV) day to support local charities, organisations and the community.

International Women’s Day described this year’s theme: “Give to Gain emphasises the power of reciprocity and support. When people, organisations, and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. Giving is not a subtraction, it's intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise.”

International Women's Day takes place on 8 March, but you can ‘Give to Gain’ year-round. Giving your time is a valuable way to provide support to organisations, and University staff are eligible to apply for up to one working day per year to undertake approved volunteer work through the ESV scheme. 

How to apply for ESV 

  • Complete the Employer Supported Volunteering Application Form.
  • Submit the form to your manager for approval, giving at least four weeks' notice.
  • Ensure the organisation you’re volunteering for has completed the Volunteering Activity Provider Checklist before submission.
  • Attach a signed and dated risk assessment provided by the host organisation before submission.

Download the Volunteering Application Form and read more about the scheme and process.

Volunteering suggestions 

Maia’s suggested charities and organisations to support this International Women’s Day and beyond:

  • Living Without Abuse (LWA) provide help and support to anyone suffering from domestic abuse or sexual violence in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. 
  • Freeva are working towards reducing domestic abuse, rape and sexual violence in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. 
  • Love4Life (Twenty Twenty) supports 11-18 year olds who identify as girls or face challenges linked to being assigned female at birth in Leicester, Leicestershire and Derby. 
  • Shama Women’s Centre, Leicester, empowers women to become more active, economically, educationally and socially. 
  • This Girl Can helps women from all backgrounds get active in ways that work for them. 
  • Sister Circle, London, supports women in challenging circumstances to empower themselves and lead healthy lives through service provision, advocacy and peer support. 
  • Hackney Quest gives young people, families and members of the community the practical and emotional support needed to develop and pursue their aspirations and deal positively with life’s changes. 
  • Our Parklife is a social enterprise on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park designed to help deliver the legacy of the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

Mentoring and coaching 

Aside from volunteering, you could also give your time through mentoring and coaching. 

The University’s coaching and mentoring scheme is open to all University staff, regardless of job family or grade. 

Being a coach or mentor is a fantastic way to support colleagues in their development, both professionally and personally. 

International Women’s Day 2026 

Maia and the University are running a week of events and activities to mark International Women’s Day. From a lecture by Professor Hilary Robinson (IRPH) to Himalayan Singing Bowl Sound Healing, there’s something for everyone. 

Loughborough Sport will also be running its annual EmpowerHer campaign to mark International Women’s Day with a week of sport-related events and activities.