EVERY year on March 8, the world celebrates the social, economic, and cultural achievements of women. But International Women’s Day 2026 feels different. As we mark 115 years of this global movement, the conversation has shifted from symbolic gestures to a powerful, reciprocal philosophy, epitomised by this year’s theme “Give to Gain.”
The theme for IWD 2026, “Give to Gain,” challenges the traditional notion of charity. It suggests that giving, whether it be time, opportunity, or advocacy, is not a subtraction of one’s resources, but an intentional multiplication of collective progress. When we invest in a woman’s dignity, the entire community gains a foundation of resilience. There is perhaps no better living embodiment of this than Winnie Singh, the co-founder of Maitri.
Safety, Strength and Care
Winnie Singh, over 2 decades ago, encountered a reality that many choose to look away from. thousands of elderly women, abandoned by their families, reduced to begging for a handful of rice or a few coins.
Winnie didn’t see “victims”, she saw mothers who had been stripped of their identity. Through Maitri’s ‘Project Jeevan’, she set out to return what society had taken. What began as a mission to provide basic nutrition has evolved into a sanctuary of “loving-kindness”, the literal translation of Maitri. Today, Winnie’s work supports over 400 widow mothers, providing them not just with two nutritious meals a day and healthcare, but with a ‘Home’ they lost, where they are no longer invisible.
Give to Gain: Turning compassion into community
Winnie Singh’s approach perfectly mirrors the 2026 theme. By giving these women a safe space, society gains a wealth of wisdom and a restored moral compass. At MaitriGhar, the “mothers” are encouraged to reclaim their agency.
The “gain” here is two fold. First, the women gain a sense of belonging and a “new family” among their peers. Second, the community gains a model for “Conscious Ageing.” Winnie understands that the trauma of abandonment requires more than just a roof, it requires emotional restoration. By giving her heart to these women, she has built a community where the mothers now support one another, multiplying the impact of every single donation.
A legacy of dignity
International Women’s Day 2026 is a reminder that the rights of women must include the rights of the elderly. Winnie Singh’s journey, from her early days supporting families in the uniformed services to her tireless advocacy for the widows of Vrindavan, is a testament to the power of persistent action. She has been featured on platforms like Satyamev Jayate, not for the sake of fame, but to ensure that the “Mothers of Vrindavan” are never forgotten again.
As we celebrate “Give to Gain” this year, let Winnie’s work be your inspiration. Giving to a cause like Maitri isn’t just about helping a grandmother in need; it’s about gaining a world where every woman, regardless of her age or marital status, is treated with the respect she deserves. This Women’s Day, let us commit to giving our attention to those in the shadows, so that we may all gain a brighter, more equitable future.
It’s time for the world to act!
The necessity of supporting organizations like Maitri extends far beyond simple philanthropy; it is a fundamental investment in the social fabric of our nation. In a society where elderly women often face the “triple jeopardy” of ageism, sexism, and abandonment, NGOs provide a critical safety net that the state and traditional family structures sometimes fail to maintain. By offering a secure environment, Maitri ensures that these mothers are protected from the physical vulnerabilities of the streets and the psychological trauma of isolation.
Supporting such causes is essential because it upholds the universal right to dignity in the final chapters of life. When we contribute to these sanctuaries, we aren’t just providing “aid”, we are gaining a more empathetic world where no woman is treated as disposable. This Women’s Day, “Give to Gain” reminds us that by securing the safety and care of our elders, we gain a legacy of compassion that will eventually protect us all.
Choosing to tread the proverbial road less travelled, Ramon embarked upon a career in journalism and spent over 8 years working for various media organisations. A deeper calling to create a sustainable impact in the lives of the less fortunate compelled him to join the social sector. Ramon is a minimalist at heart and an explorer in spirit.
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