Celebrating International Women Day 2026 - When We Give, We Gain 

To mark International Women’s Day 2026, the women of PartCat share reflections inspired by this year’s theme, “When we give, we gain.” Across different stages of their careers, from PhD candidates and early-career researchers to alumni and academic leaders, they recount moments where giving their time, care, mentorship, or encouragement unexpectedly brought something meaningful in return. They also reflect on times when receiving friendship, kindness, and support helped shape their confidence, careers, and life journeys. Together, these stories highlight how a culture of generosity, mentorship, and community not only strengthens individuals but also enriches the broader research environment.

Putri Ramadhany (PhD Candidate)

Alongside my full-time PhD research in PartCat, I serve as a mentor with UNSW’s Equitable Learning Services. I chose this role to seek meaningful human connection beyond experiments and data. It has become both grounding and restorative for me. I have supported students with significant physical challenges, including a student paralysed and another who recently lost their vision. Despite circumstances that could understandably bring frustration, they remain warm, resilient, and intellectually strong. Their determination has deeply inspired me. These experiences have reshaped my perspective. During difficult periods in my PhD, I sometimes feel exhausted or overwhelmed, but mentoring reminds me that my research challenges are privileges. This perspective has strengthened my resilience, empathy, and motivation, ultimately making me a more grounded and thoughtful researcher.

Dr Shujie Zhou (Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow)

As an international student transitioning into an early career researcher, I have received joy, kindness and support from colleague in PartCat, which made me want to do more to give back by being kinder, more caring and responsible as supervisor to my students and being supportive to my peers.

Catherine Lawrey (PhD Candidate)

In 2021 I became a mum. I never expected that through pouring myself into motherhood, I would gain a greater understanding of myself and a desire to reshape my career trajectory. In 2025 I took the plunge to leave the corporate world where I had spent close to the last decade and return to UNSW to pursue a PhD. Had it not been for my children reigniting my curiosity for learning, and particularly my daughter’s blossoming love for science, I am sure I would not have made the leap to return to PARTCAT. I feel so fortunate to have been given a chance by Rose, Emma and Jason to pursue research within such a highly regarded group and one with such strong female leadership. The support I receive daily from my supervisors, and Charlotte especially, has encouraged me to keep striving for success even when it really is a juggle. I look forward to being able to help other women and girls find, or re-ignite, their passion and hope to do this on a more purposeful basis in the Outreach program through my PhD program and beyond.

Dr Cuiying Toe (Senior Lecturer, Univ of Newcastle & PartCat Alumni)

This International Women’s Day theme truly resonates with me, it aligns deeply with what I believe “when you give, you always gain”. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been inspired by remarkable women leaders and been surrounded by dedicated female peers and students in PartCat. Together, they created not only an encouraging environment for women, but also a respectful space for everyone, which is what we often called our “safest bubble.” Now, as I work independently, I am more inspired than ever to give back. I want to foster that same sense of safety, encouragement, and mutual respect for my peers, colleagues and students. The relationships formed through this kind of supportive environment are truly invaluable, and these continue to shape who I am as a mentor, colleague, and a person.

Dr Sarah Grundy (Senior Lecturer, UNSW Chem Eng)

When I returned to UNSW at a midpoint in my life, unsure of my career direction, these inspirational people, wonderful teachers, mentors and, most importantly, lifelong friends, reminded me why I came back. Their genuine care for others inspired me to return and teach our amazing students, not only to become capable engineers but also genuinely good people. Thank you, Emma, Lena, Jason and Rose, for the chat this day and the time you have always given me. Your support has been one of the biggest influences on my journey back to UNSW.

Scientia Prof Rose Amal (Professor, UNSW Chem Eng)

One of the strengths of PartCat is our culture of support. A senior student helps a junior student in the lab; that junior student later supports the next newcomer. In this way, kindness creates a ripple effect throughout our group. The joy of giving often comes from seeing others succeed. When someone gains confidence, publishes their first paper, or delivers their first presentation, the happiness is shared.  The idea of Give to Gain reminds us that the gain is not only for the person who receives. When we give our time, encouragement, or support, others gain confidence and opportunities. In return, we gain something equally meaningful - the Joy of seeing them grow. Kindness spreads quietly from one person to another, and before long it shapes the whole community.

 At PartCat, we believe that when we lift others, we all rise. That is the true spirit of Give to Gain