International Women’s Day 2026: 3 women leading change in the Parkinson’s community
This International Women’s Day, we're celebrating 3 remarkable women making a real difference for people with Parkinson’s. Reflecting the theme Give to Gain, their leadership, skills and passion help the Parkinson’s community thrive.
What is International Women’s Day?
International Women’s Day is a global day of recognition that celebrates the cultural, social and economic contributions women have made and continue to make.
The theme for 2026 is ‘Give to Gain’, highlighting the power of support and reciprocity. It shows that when women give their time, skills and energy to the Parkinson’s community, they help it thrive and create real impact.
To mark International Women’s Day, we spoke to 3 women about their experiences. Their stories show how giving their time, skills, and passion helps the Parkinson’s community flourish.
Meet Annie Booth
As founder of the Parkinson's Pioneers Women’s Walking Football Community, Annie leads our vision to inspire and promote wellbeing for women living with Parkinson’s. The community goes beyond football, creating a safe space that supports mental and physical health while fostering connection and holistic support.
What inspired you to give your time and skills to this work?
I was inspired by seeing how team sport and personal connections can positively impact people with Parkinson’s. The rise of women’s football in 2022 and the example of the England Lionesses motivated me to create a similar space for women with Parkinson’s.
What does the International Women’s Day theme Give to Gain mean to you?
Giving to others creates a ripple effect that can touch more lives than you imagine. Even small acts of support and connection can empower people, inspire others, and make a meaningful, lasting impact.
How did the Parkinson’s Pioneers Women’s Walking Football Community come about?
After learning about walking football and joining the England Parkinson’s squad as the only woman, I wanted to create a space for other women to connect, support each other, and enjoy the game. The Pioneers launched in 2023 with 7 members and now includes over 30 women and a motivational coaching and support team, whose lives are positively impacted through community and sport.
How do exercise and social connection through Pioneers help women with Parkinson’s?
It’s transformed members’ lives, boosting confidence, fostering friendship, and inspiring them to take on new challenges. Our inclusive approach creates a strong sense of sisterhood and belonging, proving that community and exercise truly make a difference.
Want to join the Parkinson's Pioneers Women’s Walking Football Community? Connect with them on Facebook or drop them an email at [email protected].
Meet Clare Lindley
As a Parkinson’s Clinical Nurse Specialist, Clare guides and empowers people with Parkinson’s. She supports those with the condition by providing advice, signposting, and ongoing care that enriches their personal journeys.
What inspired you to give your time and skills to this work?
With over 25 years of nursing experience and personal experience of Parkinson’s, I bring empathy, understanding, and compassion to my work. My lived experience enhances my practice and motivates me to provide individualised, patient-centred support.
What does the International Women’s Day theme Give to Gain mean to you?
Giving is a selfless act that can be small yet impactful, such as offering time, guidance, or reassurance. Celebrating these acts helps recognise achievements and the positive difference they make.
You’ve contributed to our work at the Chelsea Flower Show. Tell us about it.
I’m a part of the expert gardeners’ group for the Parkinson’s UK Chelsea Flower Show garden. This involves sharing knowledge, passion, and experiences with the community. The garden, A Garden for Every Parkinson’s Journey, will inspire people to enjoy gardening, boost wellbeing, and raise awareness of Parkinson’s through a beautiful, interactive space.
Meet Rimona Weil
Rimona is a Consultant Neurologist at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London. She leads a clinic for people with Parkinson’s who also have thinking and memory problems. She also runs a research programme using brain scans and blood biomarkers to understand and help slow down Parkinson’s dementia, to improve treatments and clinical trials.
What inspired you to get involved in Parkinson’s research and this project?
I wanted to understand how dementia develops in people with Parkinson’s because it’s common but often not discussed. I provide practical support to patients while developing ways to predict and target dementia early through research.
What does the International Women’s Day theme Give to Gain mean to you?
Give to Gain highlights the importance of volunteering for research, which enables us to better understand Parkinson’s. By giving their time, participants help advance science, and this benefits the whole Parkinson’s community.
We’re inviting people over 50 who were diagnosed with Parkinson’s in the last 10 years to take part in our research, which involves an MRI brain scan. If you’re interested in taking part, you can read more about the study on brain changes in people with Parkinson’s.
Why is diversity important in Parkinson’s research, and how do you approach this in your work?
Diversity is crucial because Parkinson’s impacts people from different communities in different ways. We include people from underrepresented groups, such as people from Black African and South Asian communities, to ensure research findings and treatments are relevant for everyone
How has your work helped people with Parkinson’s and the wider community?
I developed 2 toolkits, one for people with Parkinson’s and one for healthcare professionals. The toolkits have helped improve understanding of thinking and memory changes. They’re widely used in clinics and by other services, helping people access the practical information and guidance they need. And they were recognised with a Parkinson’s UK award.
Inspired to try something new?
These stories remind us how giving time, skills, and care can impact lives. Through their passion and dedication, Annie, Clare and Rimona show that positive acts of support make a real difference for the Parkinson’s community.
If you’re inspired to explore the benefits of staying active with Parkinson’s, visit our physical activity page. Or, if you’d like to help advance research and improve treatments, find out more on our take part in research page.