Each year on 8th March, we celebrate International Women’s Day - a global day to recognise progress, challenge inequality, and accelerate meaningful change.
This year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” emphasises when we give - whether that’s time, mentorship, opportunity, advocacy or visibility we collectively strengthen our organisations, foster more inclusive workplaces, and build a fairer society.
At PayStream, we’re marking International Women’s Day 2026 by spotlighting the voices of women across our business. Through their insights, we explore what “Give to Gain” means in practice and how small, consistent actions can create lasting impact.
Sally Silcock: Compliance Team Leader
1. What does this year's International Women's Day theme “Give to Gain” mean to you personally and professionally?
For me, "Give to Gain" is about connection and growth. When I give my time, support, knowledge, or care, it always feels meaningful. I see it at work when my team grows in confidence and steps into their potential, and I see it at home when my baby learns something new every day. Those moments remind me that generosity - through trust, patience, and encouragement creates a sense of belonging and shapes the kind of environment people want to be part of.
2. Can you share a moment when someone “gave” you an opportunity or support that shaped your career?
When both my Manager and CEO entrusted me with the role of team lead, despite me having no prior experience in management - PayStream like to promote from within but it was even more rewarding to experience it first-hand. They gave me the opportunity to oversee training for compliance new starters during a period of rapid expansion, and that trust played a key role in shaping my confidence and leadership skills.
3. How can individuals or organisations give in ways that meaningfully support women at work?
Making women feel valued and giving us room to grow happens in the small, everyday things. Whether that's giving credit fairly, making sure women’s voices are actually heard, backing an idea in a meeting or even calling out bias when it shows up. Every step plays a part in creating flexible, supportive ways of working that recognise people’s real lives and growth.
4. What advice would you give to women starting their careers, or to colleagues wanting to create a more inclusive workplace?
For women at the beginning of their careers, I’d say believe in yourself, ask questions and don’t shrink yourself to fit in. And for colleagues who want to build a more inclusive environment, start by listening, having empathy, sharing knowledge openly, and making sure everyone gets a chance to step forward.
Caroline Medford: Sales Co-ordinator
1. What does this year's International Women's Day theme “Give to Gain” mean to you personally and professionally?
This year’s theme to me means a balance between personal and professional life. When PayStream granted my part time request last year, it meant I was able to support my elderly mother, a responsibility which I am very lucky to have. When splitting time between children and parents, women often take on the majority of this care, and working for a company that recognises and supports this is fantastic.
2. Can you share a moment when someone “gave” you an opportunity or support that shaped your career?
When I started working for a large energy company, they gave me the opportunity to join their graduate scheme, even though I already had a role there. This allowed me to work in different parts of the company and led me to the business & test analyst positions that I held there for 8 years.
3. How can individuals or organisations give in ways that meaningfully support women at work?
I think companies can invest in schemes and long-term partnerships that aim to attract more women, especially in industries that have been historically lacking in female leadership positions.
4. What advice would you give to women starting their careers, or to colleagues wanting to create a more inclusive workplace?
My advice would be: find a mentor and ask for that pay rise! From my experience, men are much more likely to ask for one!
Maleace Lawal: Compliance Senior
1. What does this year's International Women's Day theme “Give to Gain” mean to you personally and professionally?
For me, “Give to Gain” is about putting energy into other people and trusting that it always comes back around. As a mum of two small children, I see it every day, the more patience, support and encouragement I give them, the more confidence and resilience I can see building in them, it's so rewarding to see!
I try to take the same approach in work. Whether that's agreeing with someone in a meeting, making sure credit is given where it’s due. PayStream are good at giving flexibility without making it feel like a favour which is great, especially for working parents.
As someone balancing a full-time job, a social life, keeping fit (when I'm not getting injured) and two small children, flexibility and trust make a huge difference. I think when organisations, like PayStream, genuinely try to support the balance, it results in more focused, loyal and motivated people which is evident to see here.
2. Can you share a moment when someone “gave” you an opportunity or support that shaped your career?
Going back into a full-time role after my second child was a big moment for me. I’d only worked part-time before, so stepping into full-time hours with two small children at home felt pretty daunting at first. There were definitely moments where I wondered if I’d taken on too much. I think sometimes there’s an assumption that once you’re a parent, especially with young children, you might not be the “right fit” for bigger responsibility because of other commitments outside of work. That’s why it meant so much that there was never any hesitation from PayStream, I was trusted from day one. It gave me the confidence to push myself, and it proved that you can absolutely be ambitious and a present parent at the same time.
3. How can individuals or organisations give in ways that meaningfully support women at work?
I don’t think it should always be framed as “meaningfully supporting women” like it’s a special project that needs launching. It should just be part of how a workplace runs. Inclusion shouldn’t feel like an initiative with a start and end date, it should just feel normal.
Sometimes it’s the small, practical things that make the biggest difference. Providing free women’s products in bathrooms without a big announcement or a LinkedIn post about it. Offering genuine flexibility without making people feel like they’ve signed a lifetime loyalty contract in return. Not automatically assuming someone with children won’t want progression or responsibility (we’re busy, yes - incapable, no).
4. What advice would you give to women starting their careers, or to colleagues wanting to create a more inclusive workplace?
I think for any woman starting their career they should never feel intimidated to express their opinions on work, to introduce new ideas' or raise concerns no matter the work environment, even if it's male dominated. To me, hard work always pays off so as long as you remain focused and bring value to a team you should never feel like being a woman should hold you back. Hard work always prevails all!
Sophie Boyle: Customer Care Advisor
1. What does this year's International Women's Day theme “Give to Gain” mean to you personally and professionally?
The "Give to Gain’ theme means a lot to me both personally and professionally. I pride myself on being an individual that is always wanting to go the extra mile for people, to make them happy. I will go above and beyond in all I can to see someone smile and make them feel better.
Professionally, I also pride myself on being a dedicated member of my team. I provide the best customer service I can within my role to the people I am assisting on a daily basis. With my colleagues, I will always try my best to be a great support where I can and I love the friendships I have formed within my place of work.
2. Can you share a moment when someone “gave” you an opportunity or support that shaped your career?
I think what’s fundamental to success within our own individual careers is the gift of believing in that person. Believing they are able, capable, strong and having the belief (sometimes FOR them), when they have self-doubt. I am very fortunate to say I have many women around me who believe in me, when I can forget to believe in myself! Many of these wonderful women within this circle include my mum and my two older sisters, as well as the inspirational women I have the pleasure to work with on a day-to-day basis!
3. How can individuals or organisations give in ways that meaningfully support women at work?
I think organisations and individuals can give in many ways to meaningfully support women at work. A few to note would be things such as:
Give respect. Give growth. Give positive feedback. Give training. Give opportunities. Give celebration.
4. What advice would you give to women starting their careers, or to colleagues wanting to create a more inclusive workplace
I think the main piece of advice I’d give to women starting out in their careers is put forward all of your ideas and positive contributions to your workplace and let them shine and be shared with the people you work with. Be keen to learn and gain as much knowledge as you can build on your weaknesses with confidence and play to your strengths as we all have both!
Holly Nottingham: Compliance Assistant
1. What does this year's International Women's Day theme “Give to Gain” mean to you personally and professionally?
To me, “Give to Gain” means supporting and uplifting the people around you. In our workplace we work very collectively as a team, and there’s a lot of trust between departments to keep everything running smoothly. Everyone plays their part, and when people share their knowledge and support each other it helps everyone grow. Personally, I think when you give your time, support, or encouragement to others, you build stronger relationships and a more positive environment for everyone.
2. Can you share a moment when someone “gave” you an opportunity or support that shaped your career?
One thing I’ve really appreciated in my role is how supportive everyone is. Our leads take the time to properly train us, answer questions, and have regular meetings where we can raise concerns or share ideas. It makes a big difference knowing that your thoughts are welcomed and that you’re encouraged to develop. Having that support has helped me build confidence and take on more challenging tasks so I can continue learning and improving
3. How can individuals or organisations give in ways that meaningfully support women at work?
Creating a supportive and welcoming environment makes a big difference. Simple things like taking the time to train people properly, encouraging questions, and making sure everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas can really help people grow. In our team we all help each other out, and that kind of culture makes people feel valued and supported in their roles
4. What advice would you give to women starting their careers, or to colleagues wanting to create a more inclusive workplace?
For women starting their careers, I would say don’t be afraid to ask questions and take on new challenges, even if they feel a little daunting at first. Confidence grows with experience, and learning from others around you can really help. I enjoy helping new starters and making them feel comfortable because starting somewhere new can be nerve-racking, especially if it’s a male dominated role and having people around you who are kind and supportive helps you settle in much quicker.
A few words from Clare Baker, HR Director
At PayStream we believe that when we support and lift others, we all rise. This years IWD on the 8th March embraces the theme “Give to Gain”. It aims to remind us all that by creating opportunities for women, championing gender equality and ensuring true inclusivity we not only adhere to our core value of empowering others to thrive, but we strengthen our collective success.
I’m a big rugby union fan, especially the Six Nations tournament (Go team Ireland!), and was inspired recently by Hollie Davidson. Hollie, from Scotland, was the first women to referee a Men’s Six Nations match, since the Championship began in 1882.
Nigel Owens, former referee and commentator summed it up:
“She’s really impressed me, and Saturday was a thoroughly deserved opportunity for her. In the society we live in today, there may be a push for diversity and inclusion, a push to get people into the game that have maybe never been in it before. I’ve always been a believer in all of that. But I also believe it’s important to do it on merit. Not just for the game, but for themselves as well.”
Hollie got where to she is now on the international field on merit, but on her way to fulfilling her dream she had to be escorted off pitches for her own safety, she was spat at, verbally abused constantly - about where she should be instead of on the pitch, and her family suffered abuse also. It was all about her sex and not her ability. She took the choice to carry on. Her achievement is a testament to when opportunity meets talent, breaking stereotypes and reminding us all that progress is only possible when barriers are removed.
I’m proud to work at PayStream where women’s voices are heard, and gender is not a barrier to success. So, if you can “give” any time, knowledge or expertise, to one another, do it, so we can create a brighter and equitable future for everyone.
Small positive actions mount up, and when we give to gain, we not only left others up but ourselves also.
