International Women's Day 2026
International Women’s Day is approaching, and here at DTB we always value the opportunity to reflect on the achievements of women over the past year. This Sunday, 8th March, we celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political accomplishments of women around the world. It’s also a moment to recognise the ongoing challenges many women still face, while continuing to push towards a more equal future.
And with Mother’s Day following shortly after, you could say that March is a month full of appreciation for women, and we’re absolutely here for it.
About IWD 2026
This year’s campaign, “Give To Gain,” promotes a mindset of generosity and collaboration. The message is simple yet powerful: giving should not be seen as a subtraction, but rather as an intentional multiplication.
Whether through donations, sharing knowledge, providing resources, offering education, or simply giving your time, every action contributes to the advancement of women and helps create a more connected and supportive world.
This year also marks the 115th anniversary of the International Women’s Day movement. As a growing company within an industry where conversations around equality are evolving rapidly, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on the impact women continue to have, particularly within the music and sport industry.
Women in the Music Industry
RAYE
When we think about inspiring women in music over the past few years, RAYE is a name that immediately comes to mind.
At just 26 years old, and only three years on from releasing her debut album My 21st Century Blues, RAYE’s impact on the industry has been both powerful and inspiring. After making the bold decision to step away from a major record label that repeatedly prevented her from releasing music aligned with her artistic vision, she spoke openly about the misogyny she experienced within the industry, something that not only limited her creativity but also pushed her towards some very difficult moments personally.
Choosing to release her debut album independently was a brave and uncertain move. However, it ultimately allowed her the creative freedom she had been searching for and marked the beginning of a career-defining chapter.
Since then, RAYE has gone from strength to strength, breaking records at the BRIT Awards 2024, topping the UK singles charts, and delivering standout performances at the Grammys, Oscars and Glastonbury, among many others.
Her influence extends far beyond music. She has become a strong advocate for mental health awareness and continues to speak openly about the challenges faced by young artists navigating exploitative contracts. In doing so, she has positioned herself as a defining voice of a generation — not just within music, but for young women everywhere.
Olivia Dean
Olivia Dean’s journey is a testament to the power of persistence and dedication.
While it might feel like Olivia suddenly “blew up” in 2025, the truth is her path began long before that moment. Starting out as a background vocalist at just 17, she released her first project at 18 without the backing of a label, a fanbase or major traction.
Throughout the early stages of her career, she continued to perform wherever possible , often playing fundraising events, including those supporting the Women’s Equality Party, where her mother Christine, of Jamaican and Guyanese descent, served as deputy leader.
Her journey was built on resilience and determination. From playing to small rooms that were sometimes barely full, to driving around in her now-iconic yellow truck in 2020 performing anywhere that would have her, she steadily built her audience and refined her craft.
That persistence has now paid off. After being named Breakthrough Artist of the Year by Amazon Music in 2021, Olivia has continued to rise, releasing her second album The Art of Loving in 2025. She made history as the first female artist to have four singles simultaneously in the Top 10, and went on to win Best New Artist at the Grammys.
Her story is a reminder that success is rarely overnight, it’s the result of consistency, patience and an unwavering belief in your craft.
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift is far more than just a global pop star with a devoted fanbase. She is a leader who has consistently challenged industry norms and advocated for change.
Throughout her career, Taylor has used her platform to speak out about artist rights, industry fairness and social justice, becoming one of the most influential artists of her generation.
One of the most notable examples came when the master recordings of her early albums were sold without her consent. Rather than accepting the situation, she made the bold decision to re-record her albums, allowing her to regain ownership of her music and ensuring that she benefits from its ongoing success.
Her influence extends beyond business decisions. Taylor’s Eras Tour became one of the most successful tours in history, including eight sold-out nights at Wembley Stadium in 2024. And despite the scale of her shows, she continues to connect with fans in meaningful ways, famously choosing a young fan at each show to meet at the barrier and gifting them her signature black fedora hat.
It’s no surprise that women across the world admire her leadership, creativity and determination.
Lola Young & Charli XCX
There are countless women shaping the music industry today, but two artists who have stood out recently are Lola Young and Charli XCX.
Lola Young has never been afraid to speak openly about difficult topics. She has candidly shared her experiences with drug dependency and mental health struggles, using her platform to break down stigma around these issues.
While her breakout anthem “Messy” quickly gained global attention, she was simultaneously navigating personal challenges. In September, she made the difficult decision to cancel all upcoming shows in order to prioritise her wellbeing.
Her recent return to the stage at the Grammys and the BRIT Awards marked an inspiring comeback. Known for her unapologetic personality, often described as funny, brash and refreshingly honest, Lola continues to challenge expectations and remain authentically herself.
Another artist who has dominated conversations recently is Charli XCX. Her BRAT era has become a cultural moment, celebrating a modern, unfiltered and often chaotic experience of girlhood.
Beyond her own success, Charli is also known for uplifting other female artists through collaboration and mentorship, helping create space for more women to thrive within the industry.
Women in the Sport Industry
Keely Hodgkinson
Recently making headlines following her world-record-breaking indoor 800m performance, Keely Hodgkinson set a new mark of 1:54 in Liévin, France, further cementing her place among the world’s leading middle-distance runners.
Her journey hasn’t been without challenges. At just 13, Keely underwent surgery to remove a tumour in her ear, leaving her 95% deaf in one ear, which initially created difficulties during race starts. Despite this, her determination has consistently driven her forward.
She went on to achieve one of athletics’ biggest milestones by winning Olympic gold in the 800m at the Paris 2024 Games. Following the Olympics she stepped away from the remainder of the season due to injury, focusing on recovery and strength work to prevent further setbacks.
That work has already paid off, with her record-breaking indoor performance earlier this year. Now, she has her sights set on the outdoor 800m world record, which has stood for more than four decades.
Beyond the track, Keely continues to inspire young athletes and advocate for innovation within the sport, including launching the “Keely Klassic”, an event designed to make athletics more engaging and accessible for younger audiences.
Simone Biles
Simone Biles’ impact on gymnastics and sport more broadly is undeniable. Widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time, she has also become one of the most influential voices advocating for athlete wellbeing.
A four-time Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year, Simone helped reshape the conversation around mental health in sport after withdrawing from several finals at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games to prioritise her wellbeing.
Through initiatives, documentaries such as “Simone Biles Rising,” and her work with Laureus programmes, she continues to promote safe, supportive environments for young female athletes.
As a survivor of sexual abuse within the USA Gymnastics system, Simone has also been a powerful voice in holding sporting institutions accountable and advocating for stronger protections for athletes.
Billie Jean King
With DTB’s strong presence in the tennis space, it feels fitting to recognise the lasting impact of Billie Jean King, a pioneer for equality in sport.
In 1973 she famously threatened to boycott the US Open unless women received equal prize money, a move that helped make the tournament the first Grand Slam to offer equal pay.
She later co-founded the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and established the Women’s Sports Foundation, both of which continue to create opportunities for women and girls in sport.
More recently, the return of the WTA to the Queen’s Championships in 2025 marked another positive step for the growth and visibility of women’s tennis.
Serena Williams
Few athletes have transformed a sport quite like Serena Williams. With 23 Grand Slam singles titles, she is widely considered one of the greatest tennis players in history.
Beyond her achievements on court, Serena has played a major role in challenging perceptions around women in sport, advocating for equality, representation and opportunity within tennis and beyond.
Her influence continues today through her work supporting female athletes and entrepreneurs, helping to create pathways for future generations.
DTB's Support for IWD
While it’s impossible to highlight every woman who has shaped sport, International Women’s Day offers a chance to celebrate the achievements, resilience and leadership of women across every discipline.
From breaking records and challenging industry norms to inspiring the next generation, their stories continue to push sport — and society — forward.
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