International Women’s Day: Supporting Women’s Leadership Through the Global Women’s Leadership Network

10/04/2026

Each year, International Women’s Day (8 March) provides an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women while reflecting on the work still needed to achieve gender equality. This year’s theme – “Give to Gain” – highlights the importance of generosity, collaboration and support in advancing opportunities for women.

Within the credit union movement, this spirit of collaboration is reflected in the work of the Global Women’s Leadership Network (GWLN), which connects, inspires and empowers women across the sector. Since its launch, the network has provided opportunities for women working in credit unions to share experiences, build confidence and strengthen leadership pathways.

Marking International Women’s Day, ABCUL’s Head of Member Engagement, Debbie Smith-Hands, who has supported the network since its inception, reflected on the role the GWLN has played in strengthening women’s leadership across the movement – and how women continue to shape the future of the sector.

“The Global Women’s Leadership Network has created a powerful community within the credit union movement. It provides a space where women can share experiences, learn from one another and support each other’s growth as leaders.”

For Debbie, the “Give to Gain” theme closely reflects the ethos of the network and the way credit union professionals support one another.

“One of the most important things we can give is our time and experience. Whether that’s mentoring someone starting out in the sector, sharing knowledge with colleagues, or encouraging others to step into leadership roles – those small acts of support can make a real difference.”

She highlighted the importance of mentorship, collaboration and knowledge-sharing in helping more women progress into leadership positions across the sector.

“When people share their experiences and actively support others, it opens doors. Mentorship and collaboration give women the confidence to step forward, develop new skills and see the pathways that are available to them.”

Debbie also pointed to the growing influence of women across the credit union movement and the positive impact this has had on the sector’s development.

“Credit unions are values-driven organisations, so supporting equality and inclusion is part of our DNA. Over the years we’ve seen more women stepping into senior roles and shaping the direction of the movement, which is incredibly encouraging. Female leaders bring diverse perspectives, experiences and ideas that help strengthen the future of our organisations.”

Alongside this perspective, Sutha Harahn, Deputy CEO of Greenwich & Bexley Credit Union and a member of the GWLN Steering Committee, highlighted how the “Give to Gain” theme reflects the collaborative culture that underpins the credit union movement.

“To me, ‘Give to Gain’ reflects how our movement thrives – when we lift others, we all grow. Sharing knowledge, opportunities and support helps build stronger, more inclusive credit unions,” says Sutha.

Sutha said the network has created valuable opportunities for women across the sector to connect and develop their leadership potential.

“GWLN has created spaces for women to connect, learn and feel seen. The mentoring, peer support and leadership visibility have been invaluable, and it’s been encouraging to see more women stepping confidently into senior roles and contributing strategically across the sector.”

She added that female leadership continues to play an important role in shaping the future of the movement.

“Female leaders bring collaboration, community focus and innovation to the sector. Those qualities help ensure credit unions remain people-centred organisations that continue to evolve and respond to the needs of their members.”

Encouraging the next generation of women leaders will remain a key priority for the network moving forward.

“By spotlighting diverse role models, offering practical leadership development and creating spaces where women can build confidence, we can help encourage more people to step forward and see themselves in leadership roles.”

Looking ahead, Debbie emphasised that continued progress depends on maintaining the spirit of support that underpins the credit union movement.

“International Women’s Day is a reminder that progress happens when people actively support one another. When we give our support, our time and our knowledge, we help create an environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.”