Let’s ‘Give to Gain’ on International Women’s Day
On International Women’s Day, Stars Foundation proudly embraces the 2026 theme, ‘Give to Gain’ – a theme that speaks powerfully to the experience of Stars students, Mentors and partners.
At Stars, we see every day that when people give – their time, their knowledge, their support and their advocacy – opportunities grow. Give to Gain recognises that investing in the advancement of women and girls creates benefits that ripple far beyond the individual. It strengthens families, communities and the next generation of leaders.
The theme also reminds us that progress toward gender equality is a shared responsibility. When we work together and back women and girls to succeed, we create meaningful and lasting change – because when women thrive, everyone rises.
Generosity multiplies
When Government, corporations and philanthropists generously donate to Stars Foundation, it’s an intentional multiplication of possibilities for women. Empowered women transform the world around them, enriching families, strengthening communities and driving progress across nations.
At Stars Foundation, our team and partners understand that education breeds resilience and together we mentor and empower First Nations girls and young women take charge of their futures, not only for themselves, but also for their families and their communities.
This International Women’s Day, Stars Foundation wishes to thank our current Government, business and philanthropic partners and Australian donors who generously give time and funds to
improve education, health and employment outcomes for First Nations girls and young women. We also extend our gratitude to former partners and supporters as their investment in Stars shines brightly today.
The impact of giving
The following recent quotes from Stars students, family and community members reinforce the philosophy of giving to gain.
meeting the Supre team at their Melbourne headquarters and Chadstone store
“Being part of Stars has changed my life. The Mentors have always been there for me – supporting me through school, encouraging me to believe in myself, and helping me stay focused on my goals. I would not be where I am today without them. Stars is more than a program – it is a family.”
Year 12 student, Karratha Senior High School, WA
“If it was not for Stars helping me, I would not be graduating Year 12 this year. My mother recently passed away and without the support and encouragement from Stars, I would not have completed my assessments. The Stars Room has been a safe space for me, also allowing me to complete my assessments.”
Year 12 student, Heatley College, QLD
“Stars was the best thing to happen to me during my schooling, you all were my teachers, my best friends, my second mothers and big sisters. People I could come to no matter what, and we have bonds that are unbreakable. Even on the days I didn’t want to be at school, no matter how upset I was feeling, when I walked into our Stars room, I felt happy and grateful to be there, and lucky for the Stars Mentors that I got. So, thank you Stars for being the best chapter of my High School experience, and a big part of my life. Love you mob forever.”
Year 12 student, Taminmin College, NT
Careers Expo at the Ichthys LNG onshore facility with Darwin Stars in the NT.
“The Stars Program has been a huge positive place for my daughter, Savannah, to go to daily while at school. It is a place where she feels comfortable and safe and that she belongs and can truly be herself and accepted for who she is. I have noticed considerable change in how much more confident and happier she is in herself since joining the Stars Program.”
Parent, Christies Beach High School, SA
“Stars Foundation plays a crucial role in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls and young women to make active, informed choices towards realising their full potential. Through your commitment to personal development, wellbeing, cultural identity and empowerment, you are making a lasting difference in the lives of young First Nations women across our community. We recognise the importance of culturally safe and supportive environments where young women can grow in confidence, resilience and leadership. The work you do not only strengthens individuals but also helps build stronger, healthier communities. I really appreciate and value the contribution that the Stars Foundation is making in our community.”
Kate Dight, Mayor of Inverell, Inverell Shire Council, NSW
“Stars play an instrumental role in helping our Indigenous girls with their transitions from school to further education, training, or employment. By nurturing aspirations and celebrating achievements, Stars not only uplift individual students but also strengthen families and communities, contributing to long term positive changes for future generations.”
Program Coordinator Student Services, Girrawheen Senior High School, WA
Mentoring is a powerful act of generosity
Stars Foundation employs around 250 staff, of which 70% are Indigenous and 92% are working in program-facing roles. While most of the Stars’ team are First Nations women Mentors, Stars also employs non-Indigenous allies and strong men who are positive role models for Stars students.
This International Women’s Day, Stars Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to all the Stars Mentors and support team as their unwavering love, support and commitment is the core of the Stars organisation.
Mutual exchange matters
Reciprocity is the mutual exchange between two or more participants, and this support and collaboration is a demonstration of giving to gain for a more equitable world.
At Stars Foundation, one of the key pillars of the Stars plan is ‘Community, Culture and Leadership’ which focuses on supporting First Nations girls and young women to celebrate their culture, be active within their communities, and develop confidence and leadership skills through community volunteering.
Stars students seize many opportunities to be involved in many cultural and community activities and community Elders are regularly invited into the into the Stars Room to share their art, stories, and other cultural knowledge. Stars students also proudly take part in volunteer work as a way of giving back to their communities.
Volunteering opportunities for Stars students range from: cleaning beaches to preparing shared meals with Elders; raising funds outside local supermarkets for local welfare organisations supporting disadvantaged people; and visiting and caring for abandoned pets at the local animal shelter.
In a beautiful full circle moment, those who support Stars Foundation help Stars students reach their full potential, which in turn means students can give back to their communities.
