International Women’s Day 2026 | Give to Gain
Progress happens when people decide it matters enough to give their time, their voice and their leadership.
This year’s theme, “Give To Gain,” recognises that real change happens when support is shared and when women are empowered to lead.
At Planet Mark, that principle shows up through the work of giving back to the planet.
Sustainability involves more than targets and reporting. It requires commitment, measuring properly, improving continuously and thinking long-term about the impact we leave behind.
Behind the metrics are people whose connection to this work is deeply personal, sometimes shaped by childhood memories, sometimes by responsibility to the next generation.
So this International Women’s Day, we asked the women across our business:
“Why does giving back to the planet matter to you personally, and how does that shape the way you approach your work?“
Avital Johanan
As Managing Director, Avi shapes the strategic direction of Planet Mark. Her motivation is grounded in collective impact.
“The collective impact of our members is my daily motivation and focus to ensure Planet Mark is contributing as a force for good that helps protect all our futures. Certification is the Member’s individual commitment to strive to do better, and to follow through on that takes integrity, ingenuity and humility. I try to mirror those values in my everyday actions, interactions and decisions – knowing that the choices we make impact businesses and their opportunity to transform and meet the needs of a sustainable future.”
Nathalie Panayi
“Giving back to the planet matters to me because it’s about standing up for what’s right and working towards a future that’s brighter for everyone, everywhere. This shapes the way I approach my work, as by inspiring, motivating and educating people across our Member network, we can build a movement of individuals who are empowered to be bold and make the big, collective change that society needs!”
Hannah Dean-Wood
“Growing up in the countryside with frogs and fireflies as my daily companions made nature feel like my first set of siblings. Protecting the planet now feels personal rather than abstract, more like caring for a family member, and that perspective keeps my work at Planet Mark grounded in gratitude, responsibility, and a childlike sense of curiosity and joy.”
Penelope Thomas
“I care about protecting the planet’s beauty so future generations can experience the same wonder we do today. That belief drives why I work for Planet Mark and shapes my role in marketing, where I see how businesses can make a genuine climate impact while also building stronger, more resilient organisations.”
Roxanna Francombe
“For me, giving back to the planet is valuing the people and biodiversity in it. Working in the climate sector for over four years now, I’ve learnt that one of the most important ways of driving climate action is to work collaboratively with others.”
Why this matters
International Women’s Day is a reminder of the many ways women contribute to progress, through leadership, collaboration and the work they do every day.
It’s also a reminder that leadership takes many forms.
At Planet Mark, the women across our business contribute technical knowledge, yes, but also care, determination and lived experience. Their reasons for doing this work are personal, and that’s exactly what gives it depth.
Climate action relies on the people who decide it matters, and act.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women helping businesses take responsibility for their impact and shape a more sustainable future in the process.
And when women lead, progress follows.
