Sukany4: The Walk and Talk Podcast

IWD - The Panel - Give to Gain: Flipping the narrative to Gain Control for International Women’s day 2026

Sukany4.podcast Season 3 Episode 15

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 About This Episode

This International Women's Day, Sukanya gathered with 14 extraordinary women, non-binary and trans women from across Cumbria to explore what it really means to give, and what we truly gain when we do. In a conversation that was honest, courageous and at times emotive, the group explored three themes: giving voice to gain power, giving up silence to gain belonging, and giving support to gain community.

From women who rebuilt their voices after arriving in a new country with nothing, to a trans woman facing the real possibility of leaving the UK for safety, this is a conversation for anyone who has ever been told to stay small. And refused.


About the Event

This episode was recorded at a special International Women's Day gathering hosted by Carlisle International Women's Group and Woman Up, in Carlisle, Cumbria. Flipping the narrative of the PR company’s IWD theme for 2026's of Give to Gain, the session challenged this through the lens of the UN theme Rights.Justice. Action. Giving with intent. We brought together women from a range of backgrounds to share their stories, their struggles, and their hard-won wisdom. 

About the Panelists

Mina, Originally from a country where women's voices were silenced by both law and society, Mina has rebuilt her sense of self and community since moving to Cumbria. She is a powerful advocate for women's voices and uses her own lived experience to support others navigating the same journey.

Cynthia, Community connector, centre founder, and fierce advocate for belonging. Cynthia's story of building community in Carlisle from the ground up, and of reclaiming her own self-worth after hitting rock bottom, is one of the most compelling in this episode.

Fatima, A mother of four with a lifelong dream of opening a charity school for women in her home country, Fatima speaks about giving voice, choosing silence, and what it means to finally arrive somewhere where she can say: I have my own voice.

Emma, A trans woman and former ship's officer who transitioned 24 years ago. Emma's contribution to this episode is quiet, precise, and essential. She speaks about the impact of recent legal changes on her sense of safety in the UK, and what it has meant to find community through Woman Up.

You will also hear from Sam - founder of Woman Up, Tina and Adrienne, the forces behind Carlisle International Women's Group and other audience members.

About the Music:

S3 Music partner is A Band Called Persimmon: https://www.youtube.com/@bandcalledPersimmon

Links:

For more on this chat and to connect, visit: www.sukany4.com

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