International Women’s Day 2026 – Give to Gain
Sunday 8 March marks International Women's Day - a day celebrated globally recognising the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.
The theme for 2026, 'Give to Gain', emphasises that investing time, providing mentorship, and offering support to others leads to collective growth, increased opportunities, and success. It highlights that generosity, sharing knowledge or making the extra step to champion inclusive spaces builds long-term value, strengthening both careers and communities.
This IWD, we're spotlighting some of our mentors and role models and hearing their thoughts on supporting others in the workplace. The campaign extends throughout the firm, acknowledging the individuals whose actions reflect the ‘give to gain’ principle and demonstrate how resource sharing drives collective value.
“When I joined Thompson Smith and Puxon in 1991, there was only one other woman at the firm who was a solicitor. Over the years, we have worked hard to build a business where women can progress, thrive, and still maintain a healthy work–life balance. As the first female Senior Partner since the firm was founded in 1879, I take great pride in seeing how far we’ve come over the last 35 years. Today, over 82% of our staff -and over 70% of our lawyers - are women. As we mark International Women’s Day, we can celebrate how far we have come, and look forward to all the opportunities that still lie ahead.”
- Mary Anne Fedeyko, Senior Partner.
“As a Director and Deputy Head of Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence at TSP, championing the future female generation of law is incredibly important to me. I take great pride in supporting and encouraging our trainees and junior colleagues. Seeing talented young women realise their potential and step into their strengths has only fortified my commitment to uplifting them, and I recognise the vital role we play in helping shape an inclusive and empowered future.”
- Hasina Choudhury, Director and Head of Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence.
"I am so grateful to have been mentored by such a supportive and inspiring female, such as Hasina. Throughout my time as both a paralegal and a trainee within the PICN team, Hasina has given me invaluable guidance and encouragement which has vastly increased my confidence and helped me to expand my skillset. Her leadership has shaped me into a more conscientious trainee ready for the journey ahead of me.”
- Georgia Gammons, Trainee Solicitor.
“Since becoming Head of the Corporate and Commercial Team at TSP, I’ve recognised how important it is to support my team and set a positive example for future female lawyers. Following the formidable Mary Anne Fedeyko has given me invaluable firsthand experience of female leadership, which I’ve carried into my own role. Investing in the next generation of lawyers is essential, and I’m committed to continuing that work.”
- Caroline Nicholls, Director and Head of Corporate and Commercial.
"Throughout my time at TSP Caroline has been one of the influential female leaders who has positively shaped my experience. I value her hands-on leadership style, and her ability to nurture legal growth through providing clear guidance and ongoing support. Under her mentorship, I have had the opportunity to independently manage key aspects of legal transactions, fostering my growth in new areas of law. The progress I’ve made reflects her willingness to invest in others and the culture of development she inspires. I’m grateful to have her as both a leader and a role model for women in our profession.”
- Rebecca Abiona, Solicitor.
"When I first began my career in law, often as the only woman in the room, I learned that progress is built on resilience, courage, and the determination to lift others as you climb. My own path into law was far from easy. Returning to education after 16 years, balancing study with raising a young family, running a farm, and building a business to fund my degree. Those challenges shaped my independence, purpose, and belief that women can achieve extraordinary things even when the odds feel stacked against them. Watching the next generation of women at TSP, like Georgia, push boundaries, reach milestones, and support one another reminds me why that perseverance matters.”
- Fiona Ashworth, Director.
“Working with Fiona has been a privilege. Her legal knowledge, expertise, and unwavering work ethic have made her a leading presence in the Private Client sector across Essex and beyond. She continually inspires me to strive for excellence and shows that with hard work, dedication, and determination, success follows. Through her mentorship, I’ve reached key milestones, including becoming an Associate Solicitor and receiving LawNet’s Rising Star (Under 35s) Award. She is an inspiration to women at TSP and beyond, and this International Women’s Day I’m proud to celebrate her influence, leadership, and the positive impact she’s had on so many careers.”
- Georgia Bolton, Associate Solicitor.
“As HR Manager at Thompson Smith and Puxon, supporting our Trainee Solicitors as they take their first steps into the legal profession is a meaningful part of my role. I’m often the first point of contact for people across the firm, offering guidance, reassurance, and a safe space to grow. Being able to use my position to help shape a more inclusive workplace genuinely inspires me and gives real meaning to my role at TSP.”
- Amanda Gentry, HR Manager.
“Amanda was one of the first people I met when I started my role at Thompson Smith and Puxon and, since then, she has been a constant source of support. She has helped every Trainee through their LPC or SQE journey, making what can be a stressful experience more manageable. Whilst a strong and professional woman in corporate, she always keeps our best interests at heart. Having such a strong female role model to look up to has had a powerful influence on me as a young woman entering the legal profession.”
- Nicole Grumann, Trainee Solicitor.
View the full campaign across our social accounts: Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn.