Celebrating International Women’s Day: Give to Gain

In celebration of this year’s International Women’s Day and its theme, ‘Give to Gain’, we asked our colleagues to share their experiences of reciprocity and support.

We believe creating an inclusive environment requires effort from everyone, regardless of their role or position.

International Women’s Day is an opportunity to reflect on the progress we’ve made whilst acknowledging there is always more to do.

When women thrive, we all rise. What will you give to gain gender equality? Respect, knowledge, resources? Perhaps you’ll give something up instead? Time, assumptions, control?

What is Craigs ‘giving to gain’ gender equality?

We invest in people, partnerships and culture to help create an environment where women can thrive, both within our organisation and across the wider business community.

Through our Women in Business Scholarship with the University of Waikato, we provide financial support and mentoring to a female business student each year. We’re also proud partners of Global Women, with Simon Tong serving as a Champion for Change. As part of this commitment, we have four Craigs women participating in the Global Women Active Leaders Programme in 2026.

Beyond formal programmes, we know equality is built on everyday culture. That means creating a supportive environment where everyone feels heard and valued. We prioritise wellbeing, provide development and mentorship opportunities, and recognise achievements. Encouragement and visibility play a big role in building confidence and inspiring future leaders.

Craigs also supports equality and community wellbeing through our Workplace Giving programme, where employees can donate directly from their pay with Craigs matching contributions up to $500 per person each year. Since launching in 2020, the programme has contributed more than $1 million to local charities across Aotearoa.

What are some examples of ‘giving to gain’ in your career journey?

One of the clearest examples of “giving to gain” in my career has been joining charity boards. Governance was a skill I was learning through my day job and an area I enjoyed, had an affinity for, and wanted to build confidence and capability in.

Given the time commitment (more time away from the family), I focussed on causes close to my heart, like education and inclusion, and organisations I believed in. I also chose boards where I felt my experience and skillset could add value from day one – giving while I gained.

I have been fortunate to serve the Board of Trustees for Waiheke Primary School, the Board of Trustees (and Investment Committee) for the University of Auckland Foundation, and the Board of the Halberg Trust.

The calibre of the people involved in these boards and leadership teams is outstanding, and the work the organisations do is important, inspiring and humbling. I have learnt so much and grown as both a person and a professional from being exposed to, and learning from, my fellow board members, those running the organisations, and the people whose lives are impacted by their work.

What have you ‘given to gain’ to improve women’s financial education and support?

When Craigs Women’s Wealth was founded nineteen years ago, our goal was simple: to put women in the driver’s seat of their financial lives. We quickly realised that real progress would require us to give our time, energy, and experience before we would see the gains.

Traditional gender roles had left many women with limited exposure to investing and long‑term planning. The prevailing message was to save cautiously, not to build wealth confidently. We saw a clear confidence gap, with women hesitating to invest or holding back despite having the risk tolerance and capacity to do more. Bridging that gap meant meeting women where they were, creating environments where questions were welcomed and knowledge shared openly without jargon or judgement.

We hosted breakfasts, lunches, and small after‑hours sessions that were safe, supportive spaces for learning and connection. Progress took longer than we anticipated, but the returns have been significant. We welcomed new clients, and most importantly, helped improve financial outcomes for generations of women.

Financial confidence drives bolder careers, independence through life changes, and resilience in uncertainty. The real gain has been seeing women step forward with confidence, take control of their financial futures, and knowing we played a part in that shift.

What have you ‘given to gain’ through giving back?

Through giving back to Big Brothers Big Sisters, I’ve gained fulfilment, purpose and a deep sense of connection to my community. I’ve been a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters Nelson Tasman for 17 years, serving on the Board, supporting the organisation financially, and recently updating my will to include a bequest.

Seeing first hand the impact a consistent, supportive relationship can have on a young person’s life has been incredibly humbling and rewarding, which makes giving back feel natural. I came from very humble beginnings myself and was fortunate to have teachers who believed in my potential. If Big Brothers Big Sisters had existed when I was a child, I likely would have been a mentee.

Being matched with four young people over the years, and watching them grow into confident, contributing adults has reinforced my belief that meaningful change happens one person at a time. I entered the programme thinking I would be doing all the giving, but I’ve received so much in return:  long‑lasting relationships, a deep sense of fulfilment, and the privilege of seeing the real, generational impact that consistent care and belief can have on a young person’s life. My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner.

Watch Tanya and her mentee Ashlee reflect on their match >

How do women ‘give to gain’ for good? 

A 2023 Bank of America Study of Philanthropy shows that in high‑net‑worth households, women influence 85% of giving decisions. The evidence is clear: women are leaders in shaping how wealth is distributed for good. From my experience this rings true in Aotearoa. Women sit at the centre of today’s philanthropic landscape and are one of the most powerful forces driving meaningful, long‑term impact.

Want to learn more?

Craigs Women’s Wealth has empowered Kiwi women to invest with confidence since 2007, through educational events and expert guidance. We know that supporting women to improve their financial confidence and knowledge improves not only their lives but also those of their families and their long-term security and success.

Meet our Craigs Women’s Wealth team >

Book a Women’s Wealth workshop >