Give to Gain: Practical ways to create access, visibility and growth for women in project management

Some events stay with you long after they end, not just because of what was said, but because of the energy, the people and the conversations they create.

That was my experience at the International Women’s Day 2026 events hosted by the APM Women in Project Management Interest Network and APM London Network.

It was clear that a great deal of thought and effort had gone into creating not just an event, but an experience — from the Scotland webinar to the London in-person event. It showcased the coming together of professionals across different stages of their careers in a conducive, welcoming and inspiring environment.

Setting the tone: Energy, intention and community

The moment the London event began, a noticeable sense of optimism and openness filled the room. Participants arrived ready to connect, learn and contribute. Conversations started easily, not just within sessions, but in between them. That willingness to engage made the experience even more impactful.

The interactive elements of the event played a key role in this:

• Table discussions that encouraged open dialogue
• Networking opportunities that sparked new connections
• Shared reflections that made the experience relatable 

 It was clear that this was not just about listening, it was about participating and contributing.

A question that shifted perspective 

One of the most powerful moments from the London event came from Nurjahan Khatun, who asked: Who is one person you can intentionally amplify through your actions?

It was a simple question, but it created immediate clarity. Many of us could think of someone who could benefit from access, visibility or growth if we chose to go the extra mile for them.

It also highlighted something significant: we often assume people are doing fine but in reality, one intentional act of support can change someone’s trajectory.

Learning through shared experience

The panel session was another standout moment.

It was thoughtful, honest and grounded in real-life experiences. The panelists openly shared their journeys; the challenges, the lessons and the decisions that shaped their careers.

What made it particularly impactful was the authenticity of the discussion:

• The question-and-answer segment allowed for deeper engagement, with participants bringing forward real scenarios and receiving insights that were practical and relatable. 
• It reinforced the idea that there is no single path in project management, but there is value in learning from each other’s experiences.  

 Collaboration in action

As a facilitator for the collaboration table discussion, I had the opportunity to see this theme come to life in real time. Participants were open, engaged and willing to share their perspectives. Meanwhile, conversations flowed naturally, and what stood out most was the collective willingness to learn from one another.

Many shared how they had built strong networks within their teams, but fewer connections beyond them, highlighting an opportunity to expand collaboration across functions and industries.

Collaboration, in this context, becomes more than teamwork; it becomes a pathway to growth.

Access and visibility — A shared responsibility

A key message that stayed with me throughout the event was the reframing of access and visibility. In particular, the keynote made an impact and these quotes have stayed with me long after the event was held:

• “When we give access, we give capacity.”
• “Visibility is not ego — it is clarity.”

These statements challenge us to think differently.

Creating access is not just about opportunity; it is about enabling others to grow. Visibility is not about self-promotion; it is about ensuring value is recognised and understood. And importantly, both are shared responsibilities.

From competition to collaboration 

Another important shift highlighted across the sessions was the need to move from competition to collaboration.

In project environments, success is rarely individual. It is built through relationships, shared knowledge and collective effort.

By choosing collaboration over competition, we create stronger teams, more inclusive environments and better outcomes.

A personal reflection:

A few words stayed with me long after the event:

• “Being the only one is tiring.”
• “Use your space. Take that boldness.” 

 Above all:

Legacy is not what you leave behind; it is what you set in motion.

For me, this captures the essence of Give to Gain.

When we create access, we build capacity.

When we give visibility, we shape culture.

When we support others, we create lasting impact.

This year’s International Women’s Day felt like more than a celebration. 

It felt like a call to action.

A call to: create access intentionally, give visibility meaningfully and support growth consistently.

Because the future of women in project management will not be shaped by conversations alone, but by the actions we choose to take.

Who are you intentionally creating access, visibility and growth for? 

 

You may also be interested in:

• Look out for early-bird ticket to this year's Women in Project Management conference in early June.
• Join the Women in Project Management Interest Network group
• Read about past conferences: Reflection from a first-time attendee: APM Women in Project Management Conference 2025