Yesterday saw around 80 secondary school students join Lord Mayor Greenfield, local councillors, and business leaders at Craigavon Civic and Conference Centre to celebrate International Women’s Day 2023.
Organised by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council (ABC Council), the event brought together an inspiring line up of speakers to shine a spotlight on women, their achievements, and the need for us all to play our part in driving a gender equal world.
Speaking at yesterday’s event, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Paul Greenfield said:
“It was great to welcome so many of the borough’s young students and business leaders to Craigavon to mark this year’s International Women’s Day. Continuing to pledge our support to the movement, council wanted to hold an event that celebrated the day by learning from and inspiring each other, so that all of us – men and women – can help create a better working world that is diverse, equitable and inclusive.”
Compered by award-winning presenter and producer, Lynette Fay, the event’s guest speakers included Dr. Megan Smyth from Almac Pharmaceuticals, Sharon McNicholl, Strategic Director at ABC Council, Monica McGeary from Source Business Leads, and Caroline O’Neill from Digg for Success.
While providing insights and first-hand experiences into a diverse range of roles, sectors and perspectives, the guest speakers collectively highlighted the many opportunities open to us all and the importance of supporting one another to believe in ourselves so that we have the courage to embrace all opportunities.
Not just for the day, the 2023 theme ‘Embrace Equity’ runs for the year and stresses that each one of us can actively support and embrace equity within our own sphere of influence. We can all challenge stereotypes, call out discrimination, draw attention to bias and seek out inclusion.
Since the inaugural event in 1911, all around the world, International Women’s Day represents an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women while calling for greater equality, with thousands of events taking place marking the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
For more information on International Women’s Day, visit www.internationalwomensday.com.
