Give To Gain Flame – Torch Of IWD initiative Being Carried To FIT
The theme of the recent International Women's Day 2026 (March 8) was Give to Gain. Women in Fenestration and the FIT Show will carry the flame of gain through to 2027.
Give to Gain encourages individuals and organisations to actively support women through generosity, aiming to foster equality and create lasting positive change.
By giving resources, visibility or time, the campaign aims to accelerate gender parity and strengthen communities for everyone.
Give to Gain Actions
- Highlight the achievements of women in your community or industry.
- Give knowledge & mentoring via training, workshops or guidance to empower women.
- Give resources & funding to support women-focused charities and invest in women-led businesses.
- Offer time & opportunity – internships, job shadowing or leadership opportunities.
- Voice & justice – advocate for gender equality and support women’s rights.
The FIT Show, encouraged by the Women in Fenestration Network, has committed to Give to Gain.
FIT Show Actions
- Champion more women as speakers and panellists within the FIT learning programme.
- Create space at the show for networking, mentoring and peer support.
- Share real stories from women shaping the future of fenestration.
How you can get involved
- Nominate women from your business for speaking opportunities.
- Encourage colleagues to join Women in Fenestration.
- Share and support the campaign across your own networks.
WiFN
Founded by Sarah Ball, the Women in Fenestration Network connects and supports women working across fabrication, installation, sales, technical, marketing and leadership.
The network is building strong momentum and will host its first Professional Development Day on 25 June 2026 in Bristol, bringing together structured learning, confidence building and high value networking.
“When industry leaders like FIT Show amplify women’s voices, we don’t just celebrate, we help change the culture of our sector. Give to Gain is about recognising that every speaking opportunity, introduction or act of support has a ripple effect,” says Ball who is pictured here with Nickie West, FIT Show Event Director.
AWG shines a spotlight on its female workforce this International Women's Day
To mark International Women's Day, Affordable Windows Group (AWG) celebrated the women who contribute to every corner of the business – from manufacturing and production through to sales, marketing and the boardroom.
AWG, a leading trade supplier of PVC-U and aluminium windows and doors and home to heritage brands Timberlook and Decorio, currently employs 37 women in a broad range of roles.
Two female members of the senior management team have each served an average of 36 years, while women in the PVC-u production office average 11 years and those in sales average a decade. Across the aluminium and pvc-u shop floors, female team members bring between five and eight years of hands-on production experience.
In all roles
Director Paula Cocker, who is one of the company's longest-serving team members, said: "We need to see female figures across every department and at every level. When the next generation of workers can see someone like them in the roles they hope to achieve, it inspires real confidence. That visibility matters."
Head of Marketing Amelia Gaughan, who will mark 12 years with AWG this July, added: "The length of service among our female staff speaks volumes. Women aren't just present at AWG, they're embedded in the fabric of how we operate. Many have helped shape the company into what it is today.
“Many of the women on our team have an extraordinary eye for detail and provide the patience and steady hand needed for more intricate jobs. We have incredibly talented women right across this business, and International Women's Day gave us a moment to properly recognise their impact. Their skill and commitment are central to everything we deliver."
Picture: The ladies leading AWG.
