International Women's Day 2026: Give To Gain
Celebrating women who are shaping a more inclusive world and challenging barriers faced by disabled people every day
International Women's Day is an opportunity to celebrate the women who are leading change in disability inclusion and challenging the barriers faced by disabled people every day.
The IWD 2026 theme, Give To Gain, reminds us that generosity and collaboration can increase opportunities. When we invest time, advocacy, and resources into supporting other women, we build a fairer society for everyone.
In that spirit, we're spotlighting three extraordinary women whose work continues to inspire progress in disability rights, healthcare equity, accessibility, and representation.
Paula McGowan OBE
Transforming Healthcare Through Advocacy
Photo: Paula McGowan OBE, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Paula McGowan OBE became a powerful voice for change following the preventable death of her son, Oliver. Determined to improve outcomes for people with learning disabilities and autism, Paula worked tirelessly to highlight systemic failings in healthcare and champion better training for medical professionals.
Her advocacy led to the creation of the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training in Learning Disability and Autism, now a landmark initiative helping healthcare staff understand and support patients with diverse needs. Paula's work reminds us that meaningful change often begins with compassion and persistence.
Through her courage, Paula has helped countless families feel heard and has improved safety and dignity in healthcare for disabled people across the UK.
Share knowledge. Advocate for better systems. One person's determination can transform lives.
Baroness Jane Campbell
A Pioneer of Independent Living
Photo: Chris McAndrew, CC BY 3.0, via UK Parliament
Baroness Jane Campbell has spent decades advancing disability rights in the UK and beyond. A co-founder of the independent living movement, she has fought for policies that empower disabled people to live autonomously, participate fully in society, and have their voices represented in decision-making spaces.
As a crossbench peer in the House of Lords and a long-standing campaigner, Jane has influenced legislation, accessibility standards, and public awareness around disability equality. Her work continues to shape conversations about personal assistance, inclusive design, and human rights.
Jane's leadership demonstrates how collaboration between activists, policymakers, and communities can create lasting change.
Share power. Build coalitions. Inclusive policies start with listening to lived experience.
Dr Shani Dhanda
Championing Intersectional Inclusion
Photo: Shani Dhanda, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Dr Shani Dhanda is a leading disability inclusion specialist, social entrepreneur, and broadcaster. Through her work in accessibility consulting and public speaking, she challenges organisations to go beyond tick-box diversity and create truly inclusive cultures.
She has founded initiatives that elevate disabled voices in media, business, and leadership, helping to break stereotypes and open doors for underrepresented communities. Shani's focus on intersectionality highlights the importance of recognising how disability intersects with race, gender, class, and other identities.
Her message is clear: representation matters, and inclusion must be intentional.
Share platforms. Elevate diverse voices. Inclusion grows when we make space for others.
What Give To Gain Means for All of Us
The Give To Gain message isn't only for organisations or policymakers. It's for everyone.
- Employers can invest in accessible workplaces and inclusive hiring practices.
- Communities can listen to disabled voices and support local advocacy.
- Individuals can learn, challenge assumptions, and speak up when they see barriers.
Every action, big or small, creates ripple effects.
Our Commitment
At Blue Badge Co, we believe accessible design, inclusive thinking, and everyday awareness can transform lives. By celebrating women leaders in disability inclusion, we hope to inspire more people to give their time, attention, and support to building a fairer world.
Happy International Women's Day 2026
Let's keep learning, collaborating, and creating a future where accessibility is the standard, not the exception.