This year’s event embraced the theme Give to Gain, encouraging collective action as a pathway to progress.
Organised by South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE), the event was held at Smiths at Gretna Green and took place on March 5, ahead of International Women’s Day on Sunday, (March 8).
Jane Morrison-Ross, chief executive of SOSE, said: “International Women’s Day isn’t just a moment to celebrate — it’s a moment to accelerate.
“The South of Scotland is full of talent, ambition and untapped potential.
“Our job is to make sure opportunity matches that ambition.
“When we actively remove barriers and invest in women, we don’t just change individual futures – we strengthen families, businesses and our entire regional economy.
“The momentum in the room shows what is possible when we back each other – now we build on it.”
Attendees were encouraged not only to celebrate achievements but also to help accelerate progress by calling out stereotypes, confronting bias, challenging discrimination and opening doors for others.
The event featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops.
Karis Gill, a multi-award-winning founder specialising in storytelling for sales, delivered a keynote on how powerful narratives can build trust and influence decisions.
Guest speakers included Yvette Hopkins, a former US military commander and the event host; Sarah Schofield, founder and director of The Safe Woman; Genna Jodie Masterton, founder of educational technology business Kinoro; Tanya Russell, director and co-founder of GTR Contracts Ltd; and Ms Morrison-Ross.
Workshops covered a range of topics, including resilience, stress management, mindset, exporting, sustainable growth, and securing investment.
The day concluded with a networking session supported by the chambers of commerce from Dumfries & Galloway and the Borders.
Yvette Hopkins, who chaired the event, said: “It was a privilege to chair SOSE’s International Women’s Day event for the second year running, building on the momentum created in 2025.
“What started as connection has now turned into solid collaboration – I cannot wait to see what comes next year.
“This was not just a celebration of International Women’s Day – it was momentum in motion.
“When we choose to Give to Gain – backing each other, challenging bias and sharing opportunity – we don’t just lift individuals, we accelerate the entire region.”
SOSE’s latest annual report showed that two-thirds of organisations approved for funding in 2024/25 are female-led.
The agency also leads the South of Scotland Pathways Pre-Start programme, which aims to break down barriers to entrepreneurship for women and under-represented groups.