“Give to Gain” – An International Women’s Day Message to Women in Nigeria and Africa

“Give to Gain” – An International Women’s Day Message to Women in Nigeria and Africa

By Gloria Laraba Shoda,
President, African Regional Council of Women On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026.

Today, as the world celebrates International Women’s Day, I extend warm greetings and heartfelt appreciation to the women of Nigeria and across Africa. Today is not only a day of celebration but also a day of reflection on our purpose, our potential, and the principles that can move us and our societies forward.

One of the greatest principles for personal growth and societal transformation is the timeless truth: “Give to Gain.”

Many people desire success, recognition, influence, and prosperity. But the pathway to true and lasting gain is often through intentional giving. Giving does not reduce us—it multiplies us. It does not weaken our opportunities—it expands them.

The Holy Scripture in the Bible teaches in Luke 6:38, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over shall men give into your bosom.”  This divine principle reminds us that giving activates the cycle of abundance.

Giving to Your Mind
One of the most powerful investments a woman can make is giving to her own mind. Knowledge is a seed that produces lifelong harvest.
In today’s fast-changing world, women must continually feed their brains with learning—through reading, training, mentorship, and exposure to new ideas.

When you give time to learning, you gain wisdom. When you give effort to self-development, you gain confidence.

As the renowned educator Nelson Mandela once said:
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

When African women expand their knowledge, they become better mothers, better leaders, better professionals, and better contributors to society. A knowledgeable woman raises enlightened children and strengthens her family.

Giving to Your Spirit
Beyond intellectual growth, women must also give attention to their spiritual lives. Spiritual strength builds character, resilience, and purpose.
Time spent in prayer, reflection, and moral discipline is never wasted. When we give time to God, we gain direction, peace, and divine wisdom to navigate life’s challenges.

Spiritual depth strengthens women to face adversity, overcome discouragement, and remain hopeful even in difficult seasons.

Giving to People
Another dimension of the “Give to Gain” principle is giving to people.
This includes kindness, mentorship, encouragement, resources, and support for others. Many doors that open in life do so because we first opened doors for others.

The humanitarian icon Mother Teresa wisely said:

“It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.”

When women lift other women, the entire society rises. A woman who helps another woman grow is planting seeds that will multiply in families, communities, and future generations.

“It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.”

Mother Teresa

Let us mentor younger women, support those struggling, and create networks of cooperation rather than competition.

Giving to Society
Women must also give to their communities and society.
This may come through volunteering, community leadership, social advocacy, education, or professional service. When women participate actively in nation-building, society becomes stronger and more balanced.

As the celebrated poet and civil rights voice Maya Angelou said:

“When you learn, teach. When you get, give.”

Our communities gain stability, compassion, and progress when women contribute their skills and leadership.

"When you learn, teach. When you get, give.”

Maya Angelou

Giving Creates Multiplication
The paradox of life is that those who focus only on getting often end up losing, while those who commit to giving often gain more than they imagined.

When you give knowledge, you gain influence.
When you give kindness, you gain goodwill.
When you give service, you gain respect.
When you give opportunities, you gain partnerships.
Giving creates circles of blessing that eventually return in unexpected ways.

A Call to African Women
Therefore, on this special International Women’s Day, I encourage every woman across Nigeria and Africa:

Give to your mind through continuous learning.
Give to your spirit through faith and character.
Give to people through compassion and mentorship.
Give to society through service and leadership.

If we embrace the culture of giving, we will unlock greater opportunities, stronger families, and a more prosperous Africa.

Prayer for Women
As we celebrate today, I pray that God will strengthen every woman across our continent, and the world. May He grant you wisdom to grow, courage to serve, and grace to rise above every limitation.

May your sacrifices yield abundant harvests.
May your generosity open new doors of favour.
May your homes, careers, and communities flourish through your impact.

And may the principle of “Give to Gain” continue to elevate women, families, and nations across Africa.

Happy International Women’s Day to all the incredible women shaping our world.
God bless you richly.