‘Empowering women helps strengthen society, entities’

The world pays tribute to women this March. Since 1977 and upon a United Nations (UN) resolution passed in 1975, March 8 particularly, has been celebrated as the “Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace Day.”

In the UAE, 11 expatriate men and women favour a special day for men too, while they elaborate on what “Give to Gain” is.

“Give to Gain” is the chosen theme for the International Women’s Day, by the internationalwomensday.com in the UK.

Ira Menichini, Legal & Maritime consultant: “The theme reflects the UAE’s clear understanding that empowering women strengthens institutions and society. Over 13 years living here, I have seen how gender balance enhances governance and decision-making. The UAE proves equality drives sustainable progress and innovation.

“An ‘International Man’s Month’ is welcome if it reinforces partnership and shared responsibility, not competition.”

Give to Gain

Fikri Mohamad, aircraft technician, entrepreneur: “’Give to Gain’ is a system principle. In engineering, input determines output. Women have long given strength, stability, and leadership – at home and in business. When we invest in women through opportunity and recognition, the return multiplies. Empowered women strengthen families, communities, and long-term progress. Give intentionally. Gain collectively.

“It is not necessary to have a Men’s Month. As men, we are already expected to lead, provide, and perform. That itself is recognition. I prefer focusing on building value quietly. If appreciation comes, good. If not, we continue executing. Results matter more than titles and dedicated months.”

Dr. Usama Nouri, AcceMind founder, educator, entrepreneur: “While gender-based observances are not inherently polarising, I question the value of separate Men’s and Women’s Days. Framing society in ‘us versus them’ terms risks reinforcing division. Men and women are interdependent; together they form the core unit of family and community. Rather than category-based celebrations, I would favour themes centred on collaboration, shared achievements, and unity, or issue-focused awareness that reduces suffering and strengthens families and communities.”

Ramilito Espiritu, Spiritual Elevation Gift Shop owner, entrepreneur: “Society advances, stabilizes, and gains vision when women demonstrate courage, compassion, and leadership. Women empowerment is a strategy. Not a charity. Families, workplaces, and benefit all benefit from the investments we make in women today.

“A strong man is the lifeblood of the household; so, we need a dedicated Man’s Month. Everything else falls into place when a husband or a father demonstrates genuine love and integrity. Not only are we honouring individuals when we celebrate men who take responsibility seriously. We are also fostering the kind of solid families that bind our entire community together.”

Priya Samuel, wife, homemaker, and mother of three young men: “In a world marked by gender confusion and identity struggles, meaningful giving and gaining comes from understanding that God created men and women in His image, equal in value yet different in design and roles for human flourishing. Though sin has distorted this design, restoration is found in Jesus Christ, who alone delivers us from sin. Therefore, recognising an International Man’s Month is also important.”

IACS International co-founder/SoHHytec SA adviser Faten Jasmee: “When we invest in women through access to education, leadership opportunities, mentorship, and trust, the return benefits everyone. Businesses become more innovative, communities are resilient, and economies more competitive. Inclusion is not symbolic. It is a strategic driver of long term growth and sustainable progress.

“Men also deserve dedicated spaces to reflect on well-being, responsibility, leadership and purpose. Many men face silent pressures tied to expectations and emotional resilience. Creating platforms to discuss these realities can strengthen families and workplaces. Supporting men does not weaken women’s advancement. Balanced empowerment helps build stable partnerships and stronger societies for future generations.”

Taque Malik, Cultural Intelligence advisor: “The strongest leadership is generous; sharing recognition, opening doors, and investing in others without keeping score. In doing so, we gain trust, momentum and lasting influence. The International Women’s Day is a call to support generously, mentor consistently, and build workplaces where women’s contributions are recognised, rewarded, and multiplied, because what we give returns as a collective progress.”