International Women’s Day 2026 - Women Shaping the Future of Social Care: Give & Gain

International Women’s Day 2026 invites us to reflect on the theme Give to Gain. It’s a powerful reminder that when we support one another, share knowledge and open doors forothers, everyone benefits. In social care, I see this in action every single day. As CEO of Dovehaven Care Homes, I’m incredibly proud of the women across our homes and our sector who continue to shape the future of care. From carers and nurses to managers and leaders, women are a force in social care, giving their time, expertise and compassion to build stronger teams, stronger communities and better care for the people who rely on us. When women give their passion and leadership, we all gain.

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Care homes across the North West rely on women’s compassion and skill every day. By giving their time and heart, women caregivers and nurses uplift residents and families. These women, like those in the video above, often juggle enormous responsibilities. In the UK, over 85% of the social care workforce is female. Many also shoulder unpaid care at home. Research finds almost half of working-age women provide some 45 hoursa week of unpaid care (versus 17 hours by men). This dedication is a bedrock ofour sector yet it comes at a cost. Studies show women are more likely to provide high-intensity care and even leave jobs to become carers (an estimated600 people per day). By sharing these sacrifices and our support (e.g. offering flexible hours or mentoring) we help ensure women gain career opportunities in return.

Women Leading the Way in Social Care

One of the things I admire most about our sector is how willingly women lift each other up. Across social care, there are inspiring leaders who share their experience, mentor others and challenge the way things have always been done. Leaders like Fahreen Jivraj-Maguire at Serencroft Care have built thriving organisations while also creating supportive, inclusive cultures where others can grow. Others across the sector are championing balanced leadership teams and opening doors for the next generation of managers.

But leadership doesn’t only happen in boardrooms. In care homes, it happens every day in the small moments that shape people’s lives

• It’s the nurse supporting a colleague through a difficult shift.
• The carer who notices something others might miss.
• The home manager encouraging someone to take the next step in their career.

Those moments of encouragement and belief are the real ‘give’ in social care, and they are what help the whole sector grow stronger.

Championing Diversity and Inclusion

Creating a fair and supportive care sector means celebrating every woman and every voice. At Dovehaven, our CARES values (Compassion, Accountability, Respect in Diversity, Excellence and Strength in Unity) guide everything we do. We’re not a faceless corporate chain. We’re a family business, and that shapes how we care for residents and how we support our teams. Respect in Diversity means recognising that every person brings something valuable to our homes, and we see that in so many inspiring women across Dovehaven…

• There’s Diane at Argyle Park, who gives her time outside of work to volunteer in her local community. Her compassion doesn’t stop at the doors of the home.
• There’s Bryony at Dovehaven House, who wrestles under the name Lucy Sky. She’s showing young women that strength can take many forms and that confidence grows when you believe in yourself.
• And there’s Rachel, Home Manager at Manchester House, who speaks openly with her team about the personal challenges she has overcome. Her honesty and resilience inspire those around her to push forward and become warriors in their own right.

These are the kinds of stories that make our homes special. We want our teams to feel able to bring their fullselves to work, knowing they’re supported, respected and valued. That culture matters because when our teams feel empowered, our residents feel it too.

Supporting Women in Social Care

Women don’t just power the care workforce, they lead it. Across the UK, women hold a significant proportion of leadership roles in care homes, and at Dovehaven many of our homes are led by talented female managers who bring empathy, experience and strong leadership to their teams every day.

Supporting our people to grow is incredibly important to us. Whether that’s through training, development opportunities or simply creating an environment where people feel confident to step forward, we believe in investing in the people who care for others.

Our family-run approach means we take time to understand the people in our homes, both residents and colleagues.

Every smile, every story shared, every cup of tea made with care is a moment where compassion is given. And in return, we gain trust, connection and a sense of community that defines great care.

Looking Ahead: Growing Together

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women who make social care what it is. From frontline carers to home managers, nurses, support teams and leaders, women across the sector continue to shape the future of care with determination, kindness and strength.

At Dovehaven, we’re committed to continuing that journey. That means mentoring the next generation, investing in training and development, and making sure the achievements of women across our homes are recognised and celebrated.

Because “Give to Gain” isn’t just a theme, it’s how great care is built. When women share knowledge, support each other and create opportunities, everyone benefits.

I’m incredibly proud to work alongside so many inspiring women at Dovehaven and across the wider care community. Together, guided by our CARES values, we’re helping to build stronger, more inclusive care homes for the future.

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