GIVE TO GAIN THIS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

Celebrated annually on the 8th March, International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The purpose is to acknowledge women’s achievements and raise awareness about gender disparities.

The theme for IWD 2026 “Give to Gain”, focusing on a collective action to drive advancement for women.

We asked our 2024 Diana Award Recipients “What Diana, Princess of Wales's leadership teaches young women today”.

We were left truly inspired by their responses:

Blanka Pillár, 19, HUNGARY_

For many other young female leaders and me, Princess Diana's leadership is embodied proof of how beautiful our voice is. We can use this voice to reach out to others, initiate and foster mutual dialogues, and stand up against all odds. She shows that we can choose kindness, we can choose visionary and nurturing power, we can choose growth. Her dedicated, courageous, and compassionate leadership demonstrates that women are indispensable in shaping a better, more equal, inclusive, and fairer world, and that empathy and compassion are never weaknesses but fundamental qualities that can and will bring about real, lasting change.

Kehinde Abereoje, 23, NIGERIA_

Princess Diana never compromised on softness or strength. She embodied both beautifully, making her a unique leader. Even under pressure, she didn’t change herself to make others comfortable. At the same time, her compassion remained one of her best traits. She cared for all.

Her leadership has taught us this: as women, we don’t have to lose ourselves to be respected. We don’t have to conform or pretend to be someone else. We can lead as ourselves. We can be bold and tender. Fierce and warm.

That is the kind of woman and leader I am working to become.

AlDhabi AlMheiri, 11, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES_

When I reflect on Princess Diana’s leadership, I see courage shaped by empathy. She stood close to people and showed that real strength is measured by humanity. That understanding has stayed with me, not as admiration, but as responsibility.

I was raised to believe that youth are capable of impact beyond their years. Growing up as an Emirati has taught me that empowering girls is not symbolic; it is lived daily through opportunity and trust. This belief guides the way I serve others and carry my voice forward with responsibility and pride.

Robina Azizi, 19, GERMANY_

Princess Diana’s leadership teaches young women that true influence does not come from status, but from compassion. She listened to those who were ignored. She stood beside people society overlooked. She used her visibility not to elevate herself, but to uplift others. That is the kind of leadership our world still needs.  

Princess Diana showed us that leadership is not about being fearless - it is about acting despite fear. Many times, speaking about girls’ rights has felt risky. Many times, I have been told to stay silent. But silence never protected our futures. Action does.

Jiayuan Tian, 23, CHINA_

As the founder of Youth π, a storytelling platform documenting over 1000 young people’s journeys, I have interviewed young women navigating rural education gaps, male-dominated STEM fields, entrepreneurship after family pressure, and cross-cultural study abroad paths. Princess Diana’s leadership teaches that visibility is power. She gave attention to those overlooked, and in doing so, shifted public consciousness. “Give to Gain” means giving space, platforms, and solidarity. When young women’s stories are seen and heard, they gain confidence, networks, and opportunity, and society gains a more honest and inclusive future.

Rachel Brooks, 23 USA_

Princess Diana’s work has motivated me to advocate for a population often ignored in the U.S. food bank system: individuals with food allergies and dietary restrictions. Meaningful service can expose and revolutionise the quieter problems - those pressed into the background. As the late Princess of Wales, Diana, has shown, young women should take on causes based on passion, not global traction. The untapped spaces are the nooks for you to create systems change. Don’t be afraid to venture into them as a female, and don’t go at it alone.

Ella Greenwood, 24, ENGLAND_

Princess Diana's leadership teaches young women that kindness, empathy and compassion are strengths. So often has it felt like a weakness to be kind, but it's, in fact, the opposite. There'd also always seemed to be a certain expectation that for someone to lead, they had to be harsh and unapproachable, and that leaders were followed out of fear. But she taught us that knowledge, human connection and respect far outweigh this. That leaders can be vulnerable and open to learning, and that's something I'll always take forward with me.

Darius Nasimi, 27, ENGLAND_

Princess Diana’s leadership teaches young women today that compassion and courage can challenge even the deepest injustices. She stood beside those the world often ignored, using her platform to confront stigma and inequality. Her example shows that leadership is not about power, but about purpose. For young women facing barriers to education, freedom, and opportunity, Diana’s legacy is a reminder that empathy is strength, your voice matters, and collective action can create lasting change.

Dr Olivier Uwishema, 26, RWANDA_

Princess Diana’s leadership teaches young women that impact begins with proximity, being present where suffering exists. She sat with patients, stood beside those facing stigma, and humanised global health crises at a time of fear and misinformation. As someone working in medicine, research, and global health, I see how her courage reshaped conversations around dignity and equity. “Give to Gain” reflects her legacy: when young women give compassion, presence, and advocacy to marginalised communities, they gain the power to influence policy, perception, and lasting change.

Jeya Malhotra, 17, INDIA_

Young women today face their own challenges - stereotypes, expectations, and barriers. Princess Diana's example encourages them to question limits and create new paths with confidence.  

One of the most remarkable aspects of Princess Diana’s leadership was her authenticity. She allowed the world to see her vulnerability. She spoke openly about her struggles. She remained human in the public eye.

Check out our social media channels for more insights and videos from our Diana Award Recipients as we celebrate International Women’s Day, together.