Celebrating International Women’s Day 2026 and its powerful #GiveToGain theme

Debenhams Ottaway is proud to celebrate International Women’s Day 2026, a moment to recognise the extraordinary women who shape our firm, our profession and our local business community.

As a trusted legal adviser to individuals, families and businesses across Hertfordshire and beyond, we put care, clarity and human connection at the heart of everything we do. This commitment is strengthened by a culture where women are truly represented and empowered to thrive. In a profession that has historically been male‑dominated, we are proud that our Managing Partner is female, over 80% of our people are women and half of our leadership team are women.

A culture that reflects #GiveToGain

At Debenhams Ottaway, International Women’s Day is more than a date in the calendar – it’s an opportunity to reflect on the impact we make when we lift others as we rise. This year’s theme, #GiveToGain, feels especially meaningful. Every day across our firm, people share their time, encouragement and experience in ways that build confidence, open doors and create a workplace where everyone can thrive.

What truly brings this to life are the small moments, the ones that shape careers and define our culture.

For one colleague, it was the reassurance given to her as a trainee. A senior partner told her that her advice was just as valuable as anyone else’s, including his own. He meant it, and that belief stayed with her. Now, as a supervisor, she passes that same confidence on to newly qualified solicitors finding their feet.

For another, joining the firm was the first time she felt able to speak openly about life as a parent. After early experiences where she was told to hide motherhood on her CV, the genuine interest shown by her supervisors, in both her work and her family, was transformative. Feeling valued empowered her to contribute even more and bring her whole self to the team.

There are stories, too, of joining Debenhams Ottaway after time elsewhere and noticing how refreshingly different it felt. Whether support staff or senior leadership, people pull in the same direction and are generous with their time. That shared ethos – approachable, collaborative, united – not only helps colleagues develop but makes coming to work genuinely enjoyable.

And for those building their expertise, Debenhams Ottaway’s commitment to specialist teams has been a catalyst for growth. Instead of dabbling across every area of law, support colleagues have had the opportunity to focus, learn deeply and gain confidence – often beginning with the fundamentals, from dictations and file reviews to client support and attending meetings.

Together, these stories paint a powerful picture: when we support one another generously and authentically, we all gain. We grow as individuals, we strengthen our teams and we create a workplace where people feel encouraged to do their best work.

Celebrating with our local business community

This week we support two significant local events: the St Albans District Chamber of Commerce International Women’s Day Lunch, and Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Leadership Conference.

Both events celebrate a business community that is vibrant, ambitious and rich in female talent, creating the opportunity to connect, share experiences and benefit from the collective energy of women who inspire progress every day.

This year’s IWD Lunch is particularly special as it followed Debenhams Ottaway’s Managing Partner Susan Glenholme being sworn in as President of the St Albans District Chamber of Commerce, a milestone that reflects her longstanding commitment to championing local businesses and supporting inclusive leadership.

“Throughout my career, I have been lifted, challenged and inspired by extraordinary women, and I’m determined to pay that forward. My values-driven approach and belief in “lifting others up” have shaped a culture where I’m proud that people feel heard, supported and valued. As someone who began my own journey at Debenhams Ottaway as a paralegal, I’m passionate about inspiring the next generation, showing what is possible when people are given the support and confidence to grow.” Susan Glenholme, Managing Partner at Debenhams Ottaway

This International Women’s Day, we’re proud to celebrate the women who shape our firm and our community, and to embrace the #GiveToGain mindset that drives progress for us all.