Give to Gain: Turning momentum into power for International Women’s Day
More than 160 entrepreneurs, leaders and change-makers from across the South of Scotland and beyond gathered to mark International Women’s Day (IWD) at a sold-out event highlighting the ambition of the region.
Our event was hosted at Smiths at Gretna Green on Thursday 5 March, ahead of International Women’s Day on Sunday 8 March, with this year’s theme - Give to Gain – setting a clear tone that progress can be made through working together.
The day challenged attendees to not just to celebrate women’s success, but to accelerate it — by calling out stereotypes, confronting bias, challenging discrimination and opening doors for others.
A dynamic programme of keynote talks, panels and practical workshops provided participants with tangible tools to grow their ideas and strengthen their businesses.
Inspiring speakers
Keynote speaker Karis Gill, multi-award-winning founder and specialist in storytelling for sales, demonstrated how powerful narratives build trust, influence decisions and drive commercial success.
The event was hosted by former US military commander, investor and board chair Yvette Hopkins, who was joined by:
- Sarah Schofield, Founder and Director of The Safe Woman, who has developed accredited personal safety training designed around the realities women face.
- They were also joined by Genna Jodie Masterton, Founder of educational technology business Kinoro;
- Tanya Russell, Director and Co-Founder of GTR Contracts Ltd
- SOSE Chief Executive Jane Morrison-Ross.
Workshops covered topics including resilience, stress management and mindset, alongside practical sessions on exporting, sustainable growth and securing investment.
A networking session concluded the event, supported by the Chambers of Commerce from Dumfries & Galloway and Scottish Borders.
Commitment to female-led business
Our commitment to women in business is reflected in its latest annual report, with two-thirds of organisations approved for funding in 2024/25 being female-led.
The agency also leads the South of Scotland Pathways Pre-Start programme, designed to break down barriers to entrepreneurship for women and under-represented groups.
By January 2026, 427 individuals had engaged with the Pathways coaching team, with 53 receiving specialist growth and innovation support.
Jane Morrison-Ross, Chief Executive of SOSE, said:
“International Women’s Day isn’t just a moment to celebrate - it’s a moment to accelerate.
“The South of Scotland is full of talent, ambition and untapped potential. Our job is to make sure opportunity matches that ambition.
“When we actively remove barriers and invest in women, we don’t just change individual futures - we strengthen families, businesses and our entire regional economy.
“The momentum in the room shows what is possible when we back each other - now we build on it.”
Event host Yvette Hopkins, said:
“It was a privilege to chair SOSE’s International Women’s Day event for the second year running, building on the momentum created in 2025.
“What started as connection has now turned into solid collaboration - I cannot wait to see what comes next year.
“This was not just a celebration of International Women’s Day - it was momentum in motion.
“When we choose to Give to Gain - backing each other, challenging bias and sharing opportunity - we don’t just lift individuals, we accelerate the entire region.”