Brave

2026 marks 115 years of IWD.

For more than a century, IWD has helped drive transformative change. Each generation has built on the courage of those before it, pushing boundaries and redefining what is possible. Today, IWD serves as a popular mainstream moment that celebrates the social, economic, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for advancing gender equality worldwide. IWD is a worldwide movement belonging to all groups, everywhere. Make it your day!

This Sunday is International Women’s Day, a day that celebrates the social, economic, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for advancing gender equality worldwide.

This year’s theme is Give to Gain and encourages a spirit of generosity and collaboration. It highlights the power of reciprocity, that when we invest in women through donations, knowledge-sharing, resources, visibility, advocacy, education, training, mentoring or time, we strengthen not only individuals but our entire communities.

So throughout the week is going to be featuring a number of infuential NZ wāhine who have supported or inspired the team here at Brave by their mahi in the sexual harm prevention space.

If there are any that you know too, comment their name below!

Unfortunately the rise of technology and AI has led to a new and concerning form of image-based abuse known as deepfakes, and it’s happening in schools across Aotearoa. These digitally altered images can cause significant harm to rangatahi, impacting their wellbeing, reputation and sense of safety.

The most powerful response is awareness and education. When we take the time to understand what deepfakes are and the real damage they cause, we can better support our rangatahi and create school communities where this behaviour is understood as unacceptable. Education empowers students to make safer choices and stand up for one another.

If you know a school that would benefit from this kōrero, please email [email protected]