International Women’s Day 2026: “Give to Gain”

International Women’s Day 2026: “Give to Gain”  

International Women’s Day (IWD) invites us to reflect on progress and responsibility — what we gain and how we give it forward. This year’s theme, “Gain to Give”, aligns closely with Brainkind’s approach: turning research, insights, and lived experience into meaningful change for women whose brain injuries can often go unseen.  

Gaining Knowledge: Understanding Women’s Experiences of Brain Injury 

Brainkind’s Too Many to Count study revealed that one in two survivors of domestic abuse may have a potential brain injury, potentially affecting memory, mood, mobility, and daily life. This exposed a hidden health crisis, and highlighted the need for better awareness across healthcare, social care, and community services. 

Knowledge leads to change when it is shared. Brainkind is committed to raising awareness of these findings and brain injury in the context of domestic abuse. To date the team have presented to over 100 organisations and various audiences across the UK and beyond.  

Gaining Data: Turning Insight into Action 

Data is one of the most powerful ways we “gain to give,” driving improvements in how survivors are identified and supported. 

Last year, Brainkind launched Brainkind Adapt, a free online tool designed for professionals working with survivors of domestic abuse. The tool supports structured conversations about brain injury symptoms, offering a simplified mini Brain Injury Screening Index (BISI), symptom exploration, a printable summary sheet for survivors, and a guidance booklet for practitioners. It has already been widely used across the sector. . 

The use of Brainkind Adapthelps to build a national understanding of the relationship between domestic abuse and brain injury, strengthens professional abilities to provide high quality support, and creates better understanding of the specialist services needed.  

Gaining Voice: From Researching To Building With 

While research and data are essential, they cannot create change alone. To truly “Gain to Give,” we must move to start building with survivors. 

Brainkind is proud to share that our next major initiative will be to work on a national awareness campaign designed and led by survivors. By giving survivors control and leadership, we gain an informed consensus about the best way to develop this area of work.  

Giving Forward: Brainkind’s Ongoing Commitment 

To honour the spirit of “Gain to Give,” Brainkind will continue to: 

1. Give awareness
   Educating professionals and communities about brain injury in the context of domestic abuse. 

1. Give evidence that drives change
   Through sustained research, data collection, and cross sector partnership. 

1. Give survivors a clear path to rehabilitation
   Ensuring services understand the unique needs of women with brain injuries. 

1. Give voice to invisible experiences
   Amplifying survivor stories and ensuring they shape policy and practice. 

How You Can #GiveToGain 

This IWD, we invite you to join us: 

• Give visibility: Share the Too Many to Count findings to raise awareness. 

• Give knowledge: Use Brainkind Adapt in your practice to support survivor led recovery. 

This IWD, we celebrate the power of giving back — creating a future where women affected by brain injury are recognised, supported, and empowered. 

If you’re interested in learning more about this work or getting involved, visit www.brainkind.org or email me at stephanie.bechelet@brainkind.org