The year 2026 marks the 115th year of International Women’s Day! 

International Women’s Day is more than just a date, it’s a representation of the empowerment of women worldwide, and a celebration of the incredible women at Parker Clay who make up 80% of our workforce. This year’s International Women’s Day theme - Give to Gain - invites us to reflect on the power of generosity, collaboration, and reciprocal support in advancing gender equality and collective progress. Through partnerships with local organizations like Ellilta Women at Risk, we’ve helped women transition out of exploitation and into secure work with dignity and purpose. At Parker Clay, we believe that empowering women through providing jobs and living wages not only breaks the chain of dependency, but also provides women with the means to uplift their communities. 

The daycare for employee’s children at PCE is another example of how empowering women causes a positive butterfly effect for communities around them.

“At our Daycare center, our nannies lead morning exercises before breakfast to keep our daycare children active and healthy. A healthy start builds a strong future.” Children also receive nutritious milk at 10:00AM and 4:00PM as part of their balanced diet program, promoting physical development, brain growth, and overall well-being. 

The daycare also got paid a visit by local government health professionals where they provided polio vaccinations to 20 children:

“The visit had a significant impact on the working mothers at Parker Clay. Many of them shared that getting this kind of opportunity often meant taking time off work or using annual leave. Having the service available at the daycare removed this challenge. The mothers expressed happiness and relief, knowing how much this opportunity benefited their families.”

When we invest in women, not only through employment but also through support systems like childcare and healthcare access, the impact multiples. Mothers gain peace of mind, children gain access to early education and care, families gain stability, and communities gain strength. 

None of this would be possible without the women in our Ethiopian leadership team: 

Lily, Tatenaf, and Kali in charge of logistics, Sidise our inventory manager, Mesi the chef, Yanet in charge of quality control and production, Kalkidan and Feven in charge of finance, and Tigist our nurse. These women continue everyday to prove the capabilities of women once given sufficient opportunities to grow and thrive. 

Some of their favorite products are: Merkato Signature Tote, Miramar Leather Backpack, Eyob Pencil Case, Eden Carryall Tote Bag, Makeda Leather Crossbody Bag, Nyala Foldover Clutch, and the Olea Organizer Pouch.

As acknowledged in the 2026 International Women’s Day Give To Gain campaign, there are several ways to support women and or “support the supporters”. When choosing to purchase premium leather goods at Parker Clay, you are not only gaining a beautiful bag, but also giving support directly to women in Ethiopia, providing them with valuable skills, fair wages, and life-changing opportunities both individually and to their communities and families. 

Today and every day, we invite you to be a part of this journey of making a difference:

• Celebrate the women in your life and community

• Support ethical practices that uplift women worldwide

• Join us in supporting a bag for a better world by giving generously and gaining together! Shop top collection