"Give to Gain is not just a phrase; it's a culture" - International Women's Day 2026

Friday 6 March 2026

In celebration of International Women's Day 2026, which takes place on Sunday 8 March 2026, we sat down with the Chair of Women in Business Group, Abby Ghafoor OBE, to discuss the theme of Give to Gain and the work Women in Business do.

In 2025, you became Chair of Women in Business. Tell us about this.

Becoming Chair of Women in Business at the London Chamber of Commerce was a real honour, not just personally, but because it represents trust. Trust to lead a platform that genuinely shapes opportunity for women across London.

This year, you were awarded an OBE for your contributions to diversity in business. What did receiving that honour mean to you personally and professionally?

Receiving an OBE in the King's New Year's Honours 2026 was deeply humbling. For me, it wasn't about the title — it was recognition of years of consistent work championing inclusion, economic participation, and leadership.

What both becoming Chair of Women in Business and receiving this OBE have reinforced is responsibility. Leadership isn't about visibility; it's about creating pathways so others can rise.

Women in Business champions women across every stage of their career. What work are you most proud of so far, and what exciting initiatives are coming next?

What I'm most proud of is the shift from conversation to action. We've moved beyond simply inspiring women — we're equipping them. We've focused on tangible progression: board readiness, commercial confidence, access to influential networks and creating rooms where women are not the only ones at the table.  

I'm particularly proud of how intergenerational our work has come: supporting early-career professionals, founders scaling businesses, and senior leaders stepping into governance roles.

The next phase is about scale and structural influence. We're building strong cross-sector alliances, expanding mentorship, and increasing visibility for women in sectors where they remain underrepresented.

How does 'Give to Gain' show up in work Women in Business are doing and the impact you’re making?

'Give to Gain' is not just a phrase; it's a culture. It shows up in senior leaders opening doors without expecting immediate return. It shows up in women sharing knowledge, contacts and opportunities generously.

And interestingly, the gain is almost inevitable, because when women support each other strategically, networks strengthen, confidence grows, and commercial opportunities follow.

And finally, in one sentence, what message would you share with women in business this International Women’s Day?

Stop waiting for permission: step forward, take the seat and shape the room.