THIS International Women’s Day 2026, leaders across adtech, marketing and digital media reflect on the theme “Give to Gain”, sharing how mentorship, opportunity and inclusive leadership can accelerate progress for women in the industry.
International Women’s Day 2026 arrives with a clear message for the technology and advertising sectors. Progress requires participation. This year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” highlights the idea that sharing opportunities, knowledge and support creates stronger industries and more inclusive workplaces.
In adtech and digital media, women continue to shape the evolution of everything from programmatic advertising to AI driven marketing. Yet representation and progression remain ongoing challenges, particularly in technical and leadership roles. The theme of reciprocity therefore resonates strongly across the sector.
To mark the occasion, MadTech Magazine asked women working across adtech, data science, marketing technology and digital media to share what “Give to Gain” means to them and how the industry can turn the theme into meaningful progress.
Steph Hallam, Co-founder, RAAS LAB
“As a female co-founder in an industry as fast-paced and traditionally male-dominated as adtech, I’m reminded that progress is never accidental. It happens because women choose to step forward, take risks, and lead with conviction. I see every day how powerful it is when we have the space to build, innovate, and challenge the status quo – and how that relevance shapes industries and societies alike.
“This day is not only about celebrating achievements, but giving to gain, as this year’s theme focuses on. To me, that means creating ecosystems where women founders, creators, and leaders can thrive without barriers. When women rise, industries evolve, communities strengthen, and the future becomes more inclusive for everyone.”
Zoe Risbridger-Smith, Programmatic Business Development Lead, Bauer Media Outdoor
“Digital and Adtech are built on constant evolution, but real progress only happens when the people shaping that change reflect the world we live in. For women working in this industry, that means not just keeping pace with innovation, but actively influencing how the industry grows, who gets access to it and whose voices are heard.
“International Women’s Day is a reminder that meaningful change doesn’t happen passively. It happens when opportunities are created early, when knowledge is shared openly and when we’re prepared to invest time in developing future talent. One of the biggest challenges we still face is access, particularly for young people trying to enter digital roles without being given the chance to build experience.
“This year’s theme resonates strongly with me, as progress is about giving to gain: mentoring, collaborating and building pathways that allow diverse voices to thrive. When women are empowered to lead, innovate, and influence change, our industry becomes stronger, more representative and better equipped for the future.”
Hadar Telem, VP Marketing Science, INCRMNTAL
“For me, ‘giving’ means empowering, especially when it comes to women in our industry. Too often, incredibly capable women present themselves with hesitation or self-doubt. One of the simplest but most powerful things we can do is actively reinforce their strengths and remind them to own their achievements.
“Throughout my career, I’ve tried to ‘give’ in practical ways: offering mentorship, opening doors where I can, and encouraging women to be more confident in rooms where they absolutely belong. Sometimes what makes the biggest difference is simply giving someone that first real opportunity – and the rest is theirs to build.
“Importantly, this isn’t just altruism; it’s smart business. Organisations that create environments where women are judged on their skills and supported to flourish will always outperform those that don’t. Creating space for women to succeed isn’t a feel-good initiative – it’s a competitive advantage.”
Julie Selman, SVP, Head of EMEA, Magnite
“‘Give To Gain’ as the theme for International Women’s Day 2026 underscores the power of intentional support, shared collaboration, and meaningful investment. It’s a call to action to create space, share resources, and champion one another to accelerate the progress toward women’s advancement and equality. Real change is only possible when opportunity is both built and boldly backed.
“This year’s theme reflects what I’ve seen firsthand: when we intentionally create space, progress isn’t just supported – it’s accelerated. Each moment in my career has been shaped by different networks, from structured communities, where mentoring became a powerful two-way learning experience, to informal circles where honest conversations have kept me grounded. So let’s give space to create the next generation of female leaders that will be everyone’s gain.”
Rhiannon Jones, Senior Data Scientist, Herdify
“This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the incredible women shaping our industry – from trailblazing founders to the brilliant marketers and media planners we get to learn from every day. When women’s voices are in the room, the work is better, the ideas are stronger, and campaigns are much more likely to connect.
“This year’s ‘Give To Gain’ theme really resonates with me. I’ve benefitted hugely from the support I’ve had in my career, and I’m conscious about paying that forward – whether it’s sharing opportunities, offering mentorship, or just amplifying other women. It’s the small actions that make a big difference, especially when not everyone is lucky enough to work in a place where being a woman is seen as a strength.
“International Women’s Day is a great moment to pause and reflect, but real progress happens over time. It’s the daily actions, not just the annual celebrations, that create lasting change. When women thrive, we all rise, and that can only happen when giving is the norm, not the exception.”
Rebecca Rodin, Account Director, Scale Digital
“The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day, Give To Gain, resonates strongly with our work in affiliate marketing. Growth rarely happens alone, it thrives when knowledge, opportunity and platforms are shared. When women succeed, the impact extends beyond individuals to teams, businesses and the wider industry. To mark the occasion, we’re focusing on three key areas: visibility, knowledge, and internal support.
“We’re celebrating women across our network, sharing stories and achievements to amplify the voices that inspire and influence us. We’re also offering insight and guidance from our team, helping women in marketing access practical tools and expertise to grow. Lastly, within our agency, we’re recognising the contributions of women on our team, highlighting the value of mentorship and knowledge-sharing and their role in supporting equal career growth.
“Personally, I’m excited to be engaging with industry events that bring together and spotlight inspiring women within our industry. These shared moments are a great example of this year’s theme and our own internal stance, where empowering women’s voices and sharing inspirational experiences benefit everyone. Give To Gain is a timely reminder that small acts of support, celebrating others, or creating opportunities can have a lasting impact.”
Denise Cornelissen, Head of Product Marketing, RTB House
“With recent research revealing that women make up only around 25% of the global STEM workforce, this International Women’s Day serves as a powerful reminder of the need for greater representation in our industry. AI and technology are transforming how businesses operate and grow, and women must feel empowered to step into the limelight.
“The future of technology will be strongest when ambition is matched with opportunity for women across the industry. Employers have a key role to play in encouraging women to build confidence in their expertise and continue developing their skills. This can be supported by active investment in learning opportunities, the creation of supportive cultures and clear pathways to leadership for future generations.
“As AI becomes more embedded within the mechanics of marketing and advertising, the industry needs to draw on the broad range of perspectives that diverse workforces allow for. This will ensure innovation is ethical and inclusive, and can deliver better outcomes for brands and consumers alike.”
Elsa Murray, Senior Sales Director, LG Ad Solutions
“This year’s International Women’s Day theme, Give to Gain, really resonates with me, because giving isn’t about losing something, it’s about choosing to invest in other people. When we give our time, knowledge, support, or opportunities, we create momentum that reaches far beyond a single moment.
“It’s a mindset: progress moves faster when we collaborate rather than compete. Supporting women through mentoring, sponsorship, and education doesn’t just benefit individuals, it strengthens entire teams and organisations. Mentoring, in particular, is incredibly powerful. It helps women build confidence, develop their skills, and step into leadership roles believing they belong there.
“It’s equally important to actively champion women’s achievements and make their contributions visible. Doing this consistently helps create cultures where more women can see what’s possible. Ultimately, Give to Gain is a reminder that when we lift others up, everyone benefits.”
Kim Joyce, Head of Agency Sales, Outra
“This year’s theme, ‘Give to Gain’, feels so powerful: when we invest in equal opportunities for women, the returns are felt across society as a whole. In media and ad tech, we sit at the centre of how audiences are understood, valued and reached. The data signals we prioritise and the strategies we enable shape whose stories are amplified and whose opportunities expand. With that influence comes responsibility.
“The UK’s tech sector may be thriving, but women still face barriers to entry and progression into leadership roles. Each year, the economy loses an estimated £2–£3.5 billion as women leave the sector or change roles due to avoidable challenges. That is not just a talent issue, it is an economic one.
“As AI accelerates, this becomes even more urgent. The teams building algorithms and training models are shaping systems that influence what we see and the opportunities we have access to. Without diverse voices in those rooms, we risk embedding bias into the foundations of our digital society. Inclusive technology requires diversity by design. Initiatives such as the Women in Tech Taskforce are a positive step, but lasting progress requires sustained commitment. When we give women access, opportunity and support, we all gain – stronger businesses, more innovative technology, and a fairer society.”
Selen Ozkan, Head of CPG, EMEA, Uber Advertising
“‘Give to Gain’ is a theme that really resonates with me because it shows how investing in people can multiply impact. However, to make real progress, we have to reframe this from an act of service to a fundamental business need. For me, it comes down to three key shifts.
“First, treating reciprocity as a strategy. Giving, whether through mentorship, resources, or a platform, is not about losing a competitive edge. It strengthens the talent pool and market we all draw from. Secondly, the multiplication effect. When women are supported into leadership roles, they often reinvest in their teams, creating a cycle of growth that elevates the entire organisation.
“Finally, moving beyond the one-day gesture. Support should not be limited to International Women’s Day. True empowerment is about building structures that actually last, like equitable parental leave, transparent pay, and accessible career pathways- giving women the space to thrive year-round.
“When we invest in people intentionally, we aren’t just doing the right thing. We are driving exponential growth that benefits ourselves, our colleagues, and the wider industry.”
Reshma Patel, Head of Finance, Fairing
“Early in my career, the moments that changed everything for me weren’t promotions – it was the candid feedback, stretch opportunities, and someone advocating for me in rooms I wasn’t in. Those moments of support created real inflection points.
“The theme of ‘Give to Gain’ really resonates because progress rarely happens in isolation. When women share knowledge, open doors, and create opportunities for others, we strengthen the entire ecosystem.
“Giving those same boosts to other women, whether that’s through mentorship, sponsorship, or actively championing their work, is how we create momentum that outlasts any one career. The more we invest in each other, the more we expand what leadership can look like for the next generation.”
Jennifer Rose, Commercial Partnerships Director, Adform
“I’ve been fortunate to have both an internal and an external senior female mentor during my time in adtech, and that support has made a real difference to my confidence and career. Being surrounded by strong female leaders who are willing to share their experience and perspective is incredibly inspiring.
“International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of how important that kind of support really is. For me, reciprocity in the workplace is about senior leaders actively opening doors, advocating in the rooms where key decisions are made, and creating access to opportunity for others.
“When we shift from simply advising to actively championing others, we accelerate meaningful progress. That kind of intentional support does not just benefit individuals, it strengthens teams and helps build a more inclusive and representative industry.”
The convergence of tech and brands 