A Woman Who Gave So Others Could Gain
International Women’s Day invites us to reflect on the power of women to shape the world through courage, generosity and action.
Few women embodied this more sincerely than Saint Mary MacKillop.
Mary gave her time, her comfort, her reputation and her security so that others could gain opportunity.
In giving, Mary gained something deeper: purpose, connection and a legacy that continues to change lives today.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme, Give to Gain, echoes Mary’s life and mission. It reminds us that when generosity is rooted in justice and love, everyone gains, individuals, communities and the world we share.
Why Supporting Women Changes Everything
Today, around the world, women continue to carry extraordinary responsibility for families and communities, often with limited access to education, income or opportunity.
Yet time and again, the evidence is clear: when women are supported, entire communities benefit.
This is why Mary MacKillop Today continues Mary’s legacy by working alongside women and girls through:
- Education for girls and young women
- Skills training and livelihoods for women
- Community-led programs grounded in dignity and partnership
This is not charity alone. It is partnership, honouring the strengths, leadership and agency of women within their own communities.
Real Impact: Angelina’s Story (Timor-Leste)
Angelina had long worked on her family’s farm, planting vegetables, cassava, taro and coffee. Despite her hard work, her family often struggled to meet daily needs.
With guidance and support from Mary MacKillop Today, Angelina learned business and financial skills that inspired her to start a small home-based kiosk.
Today, her kiosk provides daily income, improves access to food and household items in her community, and gives her family a reliable source of support.
As Angelina shares:
“Mary MacKillop Today helped us to no longer struggle. Thank you to those that have helped.”
Her story is one of many that shows how small-scale enterprise, training and local partnership can empower women, strengthen households and build resilient communities.
When You Give, Women Gain
When a girl gains an education, she gains choices.
When a woman gains skills and income, families gain stability.
When communities gain opportunity, cycles of poverty are broken.
And when we give, through our generosity, advocacy or compassion, we too gain: deeper connection, purpose and the knowledge that our faith is alive in action.
Mary MacKillop understood this truth instinctively. She did not ask what she might lose by giving, but what others might lose if she did not.
Give to Gain This International Women’s Day
Your generosity today helps ensure Mary MacKillop’s legacy continues to shape a more just and compassionate world.
When you give, women gain education, opportunity and independence and communities gain strength, resilience and hope.
