Dynamic female leaders headline International Women’s Day event
Women at the forefront of business and community in County Meath will share insights that echo this year’s International Women's Day theme - ‘Give to Gain’ at a special event next week (6th March).
Karen Dessain-Gelinet from Dunshaughlin, the newly appointed CEO of the Camogie Association and Castletown woman, Derville Meade of Labstock Microservices will join Thelma Slattery at the award winning Station House Hotel in Kilmessan for the special panel discussion.
The ladies will talk about their careers, the wins, the challenges and their hopes for the future in open and engaging conversations with facilitator and former journalist Elaine Keogh.
Frances Haworth, CEO of Meath Women’s Refuge & Support Services will talk about rebranding to Willow Domestic Abuse Services and the work it continues to do for women and children impacted by domestic, sexual and gender based violence.
The event will also mark the first of the quarterly meeting of the Women in Biz + Tech Network.
A collaboration between County Meath Chamber and the Local Enterprise Office in Meath, the network continues to grow its contribution to nurturing connections while also developing responsive business supports for women in business throughout the county.
Paula McCaul, CEO County Meath Chamber: “I’ve had the privilege of meeting many impressive women through the Meath Women in Biz & Tech Network, each bringing their own drive, insight, and generosity. As we enter our seventh year, I’m excited for what’s ahead and encourage women in business to come along, see what the network offers, and take the opportunity to invest in their own development.”
Aoife Fegan, Senior Enterprise Development Officer, Meath LEO said: “The continued success and growth of our Women in Business and Tech (WIBT) Network demonstrates the value of visibility, connection and support.”
“Marking International Women’s Day allows us to celebrate the impact women have made across the SME industry and beyond, while also reaffirming our commitment to ensuring that women in this sector have the opportunities and support needed to start, grow and scale their businesses,” she added.
The Women in Biz + Tech network is expected to be attended by hundreds of women with the event for IWD being one of the most popular annual events in county Meath.
The 6th March event takes place in The Station House Hotel where lunch will be served and networking opportunities can be scheduled before and after the panel discussion.
To reserve tickets visit countymeathchamber.ie. All other queries or further information sought can be directed to paula@countymeathchamber.ie
Meanwhile, County Meath Chamber welcomed MEP Maria Walsh to a meeting to discuss the supports, the opportunities, and some of the challenges facing women in enterprise across the region.
Attendees included Chamber President Niamh Giffney, Estate Agent and director of DNG Royal County and board member of the Institute of Professional Auctioneers & Valuers (IPAV); Kelly Anne Quinn, founder of Life Planning and a specialist in financial planning; Frances Haworth and Paula McCaul.
Among the matters discussed were: Pay Transparency Directive, paid leave considerations for women in business within the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), Housing Assistance Payment thresholds, social housing access, financial literacy, pension adjustment orders, skills development, wellbeing initiatives to help prevent burnout and isolation among women entrepreneurs, policy ideas around flexible childcare models for self‑employed women, and future‑proofing pathways for women entering or scaling within enterprise.
Niamh Giffney emphasised the importance of continued collaboration: “We thank MEP Maria Walsh for her engagement and for creating space for meaningful dialogue ensuring the voices and experiences of our members continue to be heard at national and European level.”