International Women’s Day 2026

International Women’s Day 2026 is here and this year, it comes with a big, bold invitation: Give To Gain. Simple and powerful. When we give our support, time, knowledge or opportunities, we don’t lose anything we GAIN! Because when women thrive, everyone benefits. 

Giving doesn’t have to be complicated. From advocacy and education to visibility, allyship and encouragement, every action, big or small, helps build a fairer, more connected world. 

To mark International Women’s Day, NI Connections is celebrating inspiring Northern Irish women making a global impact. These are women who are breaking barriers, shaping industries and proudly representing Northern Ireland on the world stage. Their stories are proof of what’s possible when talent meets support and a reminder that when we lift each other up, we all rise!

Dr Rosemary Coogan – Astrophysicist & ESA Astronaut

Rosemary Coogan is quite literally aiming for the stars and is inspiring women and girls to dream big…really big. A Belfast‑born astrophysicist turned European Space Agency astronaut, Rosemary was selected from more than 22,000 applicants in 2022 and completed her basic astronaut training in 2024. As she prepares for future space missions, she regularly speaks to young audiences about her journey, encouraging girls to see science, space and leadership as places where they belong.

Rosemary’s journey from Northern Ireland to the global stage is helping to break down stereotypes, showing the next generation that curiosity, ambition and dedication can take you all the way to the stars!

Ciara Mageean - Athlete

Ciara Mageean is one of Northern Ireland’s most accomplished athletes, whose talent, determination and drive have earned her a place among the world’s elite. From County Down, she has represented Ireland on the biggest stages in sport, including the Olympic Games, World Championships and European Championships, winning medals and setting national records in middle‑distance running. 

Known for her resilience, consistency and fierce competitive spirit, Ciara has become a powerful role model for young athletes across the island. This International Women’s Day, her journey is a testament to the impact of perseverance, belief and ambition and to Northern Irish women excelling on the global stage.

Bernadette “Bernie” Collins – Formula One Engineer & Broadcaster

Bernadette “Bernie” Collins is a brilliant example of Northern Irish talent thriving at the very highest level of global motorsport. A mechanical engineering graduate of Queen’s University Belfast, Bernie launched her Formula One career with McLaren before progressing to senior strategy roles with teams including Force India and Aston Martin. Now a familiar and trusted voice as a Formula One strategy analyst for Sky Sports and F1TV, she brings clarity, insight and accessibility to one of the world’s most complex sports while championing women in engineering along the way. In a male‑dominated sport, Bernie has become both a technical authority and a visible role model for women in STEM and high‑performance environments.

Bernie’s journey from QUB lecture halls to the F1 pit wall continues to inspire women and girls to see engineering, data and high‑performance sport as spaces where they belong.

Kelly Gallagher – Paralympic Gold Medallist

Kelly Gallagher is a trailblazer in Northern Irish sport whose achievements continue to inspire audiences around the world. From Bangor, Kelly made history at the Sochi 2014 Winter Paralympic Games, becoming Britain’s first-ever Winter Paralympic gold medallist and the first woman to win a British Paralympic gold medal at the Winter Games. 

Competing as a visually impaired Alpine ski racer at speeds of up to 75mph, she races alongside a guide, communicating via headset with extraordinary trust and precision. Also the first athlete from Northern Ireland to compete in the Winter Paralympics, Kelly has since become a powerful international advocate for inclusion, access and opportunity in elite sport proving that barriers can be broken, and history can be made, at any speed.

Lisa McGee – Screenwriter & Creator of Derry Girls

Lisa McGee is a shining example of Northern Irish storytelling with global cultural impact. Hailing from Derry, Lisa is the screenwriter and creator of Derry Girls, one of the most successful and beloved comedy series of the past decade. Let's be real - who hasn't heard of Derry Girls! 

Through sharp wit, warmth and authenticity, the show introduced a global audience to Northern Ireland’s humour, resilience and humanity, becoming a cultural phenomenon from Netflix screens to international awards circuits. 

This International Women’s Day, Lisa’s work reminds us of the power of local stories told boldly and how Northern Irish voices can resonate around the world.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2026, one thing is clear: when women are supported, incredible things happen. From space stations and Formula One circuits to Paralympic podiums, global screens and world‑class athletics, Northern Irish women are not just participating on the world stage, they’re leading it.

Give To Gain is more than a theme – it can be encouragement, visibility, mentorship, or simply backing one another a little louder. 

So this International Women’s Day, let’s keep celebrating, keep supporting and keep lifting each other up. When women rise, everyone wins.

To all our female diaspora – we celebrate you, especially on this International Women’s Day!