In celebration of International Women’s Day, our offices across the globe have come together under the theme of "Give to Gain," reflecting on the diverse ways we can empower women within our profession and our wider communities. From Luxembourg to Beijing, and Singapore to Toronto, our colleagues have shared powerful insights on providing access, visibility and justice.
"Giving Access” to the range of elements that shape success: opportunity, networks, companies and institutions, is fundamental. In many cases, a person cannot just “show up” unless they are invited or have access to the opportunity. Ensuring access is therefore the essential first step towards genuine inclusion and meaningful advancement." Christophe van Zyl, Marks & Clerk Luxembourg
“Give a Voice - Women are often at the table, but their voices aren’t always heard. When we create space for women to speak, challenge ideas, and contribute, we build stronger teams and make better decisions.” Fiona Teresa, Marks & Clerk Malaysia
"Give Access. Empower women from within! Giving women access to resources, mentorship, decision-making, and career development enables them to grow and lead. When workplaces ensure fair and meaningful access to opportunities, training, and information, women can fully contribute their skills, drive innovation and boost productivity that fosters a culture where everyone grows and thrives together in the organisation." Nur Hidaya, Marks & Clerk Malaysia
"Give mentoring. I try to give my team members mentoring and visibility through patient training, regular check ins, sharing context and advocating for them when they are not in the room. I believe women grow faster when they are guided and given credit, and in return we gain stronger teams, steadier homes and girls who grow up knowing they do not have to shrink to be respected." Veronica Guuk, Marks & Clerk Malaysia
"Give respect. Respect is one of the most important traits in the workplace because it creates a positive work culture for you and the team to accomplish goals together. Always be aware of your words and actions in the workplace and how they might affect your teammates. This is also known as the concept of emotional intelligence, and it refers to understanding the emotions of others and how your actions impact their reactions. Try to think before you contribute, or talk to your coworkers about the language you use. A few small changes can help improve respect." Thaya Lata, Marks & Clerk Malaysia
“Give respect to everyone, acknowledging their unique strengths and contributions. Together, we can cultivate a culture of equality that empowers all, especially as we celebrate International Women's Day.” Monique Chu, Marks & Clerk Hong Kong
"Give momentum. Giving momentum isn't about grand gestures; it's about the small, consistent acts that build unstoppable forward motion. As a male working in M&C alongside some of the incredible women, I believe that a sustained effort can turn into a shared victory, a best kind of success." Zephyr Su, Marks & Clerk Hong Kong
“I have been surrounded by so many wonderful women in my life - women who taught me strength, showed me kindness, and believed in me before I believed in myself. Happy Women’s Day to all the amazing women out there.” SK Li, Marks & Clerk Hong Kong
“As a mother, I protect the well-being of my children. As a daughter, I protect the values passed down to me. And as a patent attorney, I protect the intellectual property rights of our clients. Protection, in every role I hold, is both my duty and my purpose.” Wai Han Lau, Marks & Clerk Singapore
“Give credit – Being a husband and a father has shown me how much women do, often without recognition. Thank you to all women who shape our families and communities, for every woman deserves to be valued and honoured.” Kwok Tat Wai, Marks & Clerk Singapore
"Give time – To yourself. Women often balance multiple responsibilities, both professionally and personally. In consistently prioritising the needs of others, they forget the one person who matters just as much – themselves. Let today be a reminder: Take 30 minutes a day, just for you. No guilt. No apologies." Upasana Patel, Marks & Clerk Singapore
“Give time, respect and growth – International Women’s Day reminds us that the greatest gains begin with the support we give at home. By simply giving time to listen, respect her boundaries, and growth through the resources and encouragement she needs to pursue her dreams, we can all invest in a shared win for our family and the world she inspires.” Edward Ng, Marks & Clerk Singapore
“Give visibility – When women’s work is seen and acknowledged, confidence grows and opportunities follow. The space to be seen is the space where we move forward together.” Yvonne Ding, Marks & Clerk Singapore
“Give access – My mother was unable to pursue tertiary education due to family circumstances, but when it came to me, my parents ensured I had access to the same education opportunities as the boys in my family. Society has come a long way in expanding access to quality education for women, and I can’t possibly imagine being a part of Marks & Clerk today, had it not been for the access to education I was given before.” Kimberly Chen, Marks & Clerk Singapore
“Give respect – Credit and recognition must be given to housewives who work tirelessly behind the scene. Your work impacts and shows in the well-being of every home and child growing up feeling loved and protected. Society will crumble without your sacrifice and presence.” Martin Kwan, Marks & Clerk Singapore
“Give support – As a working mother, I appreciate the support that Marks & Clerk has given to its employees, including flexible and hybrid work arrangements. This has made parenting less stressful and much easier to manage, as I can show up for both work and my family at the same time.” Yee Ann Ho, Marks & Clerk Singapore
“Give justice. Speaking up in a moment that is not, on the surface, a great act of justice, but still choosing to do it. I want to speak up for my daughters and my sons. To show them how one person, no matter who they are, is meant to behave. To show them how to treat anyone with genuine respect. I often think about what I would do when I have the chance to speak up. And I know what I want to do: to give women justice.” Tomas Karger, Marks & Clerk Aberdeen (UK)
"Give equal pay. Equal pay for equal work is not just a right—it’s a cornerstone of workplace fairness. When we ensure women are compensated fairly for their contributions, we validate their worth and break down systemic barriers. This sends a clear message: their skills, dedication, and impact are valued equally compared with their male counterparts, empowering them to thrive without the weight of gender-based pay discrimination." Sheldon Liu, Marks & Clerk Beijing (China)
"Give opportunities. In the workplace, giving opportunities means more than just hiring women—it means trusting them with leadership roles, challenging projects, and a seat at the table where decisions are made. It’s about mentorship and sponsorship, not just inclusion. At home, it means encouraging the girls in our families to dream boldly, to speak up, and to pursue their passions without limitation. It’s about sharing responsibilities equally so that women have the time and space to grow. In our communities, giving opportunities means supporting female entrepreneurs, amplifying women’s voices, and creating safe spaces where we can learn, lead, and thrive. When we give opportunities, we don’t lose anything—we gain diverse perspectives, stronger families, and a more just and vibrant society. That is the true meaning of Give to Gain." Alice Wang, Marks & Clerk Beijing (China)
"Give resources to help me take my mother on trips on weekends or to attend courses she is interested in, such as Buddhist lectures - things she couldn’t easily do or experience back home due to limited resources. My mom also finds joy in these new experiences. She provides us with help, and in return, she gains experiences she had never had before. We offer her new experiences while receiving her assistance, a mutual exchange of giving and gaining." Rita Yang, Marks & Clerk Beijing (China)
"At home, women often take on most of the housework quietly every day. They give their time, energy and love to the family. This Women’s Day, let’s give them more rest and relaxation. Let’s share the housework, listen to their needs, and care for them sincerely. When we give warmth and support, we gain a happier, more loving home." Winnie Lu, Marks & Clerk Beijing (China)
"Give time. “Give to Gain” is the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day. In my view, although giving means contributing to others, it also allows us to gain something in return—sometimes even more. Sharing household responsibilities equally in the family is a form of respect for women’s time. Traditionally, housework has been solely women’s responsibility, and they silently perform these trivial and unpaid tasks day after day. Although housework may seem unremarkable, its contribution to the family is no less important than working outside the home. Family members should pay attention to and care about women’s efforts, and share the burden of household chores together. My mother is one of those who silently bear the heavy burden of housework. Although I already help her with chores such as washing dishes, sweeping the floor, and doing laundry, what I do is far from enough. I should do more—truly understand her from the bottom of my heart, see her exhaustion, and proactively notice the household tasks hidden in every corner. Through my efforts, I hope to free her from the grind of housework and give her the gift of lighthearted and happy moments. In doing so, I will also gain a healthy and joyful mother. “Give” and “Gain” can actually transform into one another. The moment we give, we are already gaining." Blair Li, Marks & Clerk Beijing (China)
"First of all, women should be given equal pay with men. For example, some women may choose to take positions with lower salaries and less demanding work because they believe they are not suitable for high-paying and high-pressure jobs. This self-imposed limitation weakens women's competitiveness in the high-paying sector, further exacerbating the gender income gap. Secondly, women should be given equal opportunities as men, including but not limited to, training opportunities, paying business trip opportunities, and promotion opportunities. Gender discrimination must be prohibited in recruitment, for example, women should not be inquired about their marital and reproductive status, and positions should not be labeled as “only for men”. Lastly but not least, flexible working hours and remote work can be given to women, so that women can have more time to take care of their children and family members. What’s more, companies are encouraged to set up nursery center and breastfeeding area for women. " Brenda You, Marks & Clerk Beijing (China)
"Give opportunities. This International Women’s Day, as we embrace the theme of ""Give To Gain,"" we are invited to rethink the very nature of progress. An opportunity is not just a door opened; it is an invitation to build a new room. When we consciously give opportunities to women and girls, we are not simply offering charity; we are investing in a multiplier effect that benefits our workplaces, strengthens our families, and revitalizes our communities. To gain a future of true equality, we must be intentional about giving the opportunities that pave the way. Give a chance to lead in the work place means looking at talent pools and actively ensuring women are considered for leadership pipelines, high-profile projects, and stretch assignments. Our patent team in Beijing is led by Emily. Under her leadership, we've experienced smoother communication, a better work atmosphere, and higher efficiency. My mother works hard for our family. Helping her with housework—or hiring a part-time worker to relieve her from household chores—would give her the chance to do what she truly enjoys and pursue her hobbies, such as traveling or calligraphy. Giving opportunities in the community builds a fabric of support that no individual can create alone. We could fund scholarships for girls' education, or provide micro-grants to female entrepreneurs. It’s about giving them the specific tools and resources they need to build their own futures. This International Women's Day, let us ask ourselves not just what we can take, but what we can give. Because by giving opportunities to women and girls—in every sphere of life—we gain a future that is stronger, more just, and more prosperous for us all." Vivian Zhao, Marks & Clerk Beijing (China)
“Give knowledge - By sharing ideas and supporting colleagues, including those in other fields, we naturally foster collaboration, knowledge sharing and opening opportunities for mutual growth, the chance to learn something new and our shared success.” Helen Ren, Marks & Clerk Toronto (Canada)
“Give visibility: The current geopolitical climate has shown reminds us that many women still struggle to be heard, seen, and confidently take their seat “at the table.” It is incumbent on all of us—men and women alike—to ensure diverse voices and perspectives are represented at every “table”. When we do, we fuel innovation, reduce “groupthink”, strengthen client/people retention, and provide us all with psychologically safe workplaces where all are valued and empowered to contribute.” Kamleh Nicola, Marks & Clerk Toronto (Canada)
“Give yourself permission to change your mind, say no, and order a cake even when it’s no one’s birthday.” Maria Wei, Marks & Clerk Toronto (Canada)
“Give respect. We are proud to work alongside incredible women at M&C. We celebrate their contributions and remain committed to supporting their growth, empowerment, and success.” Jonathan Colombo, Marks & Clerk Toronto (Canada)
"We are all stronger when women have a seat at every table and are heard, valued, and included. By building one another up, we give in a way that creates gains for all of us.” Amrita Singh, Marks & Clerk, Toronto (Canada)