Network Ireland Hosts Inspirational Event for International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day will be marked in Limerick on March 8, 2024, with a significant event hosted by Network Ireland, the country’s largest business networking organization for women. Members will gather at the Strand Hotel to hear from a range of esteemed speakers, including entrepreneur and social innovator Sonya Lennon. The event will focus on building resilient brands in competitive markets, featuring insights from professionals in fashion, global sports, and enterprise.

The program will explore the concept of brand wellness, emphasizing the importance of supporting the individuals behind these organizations as they scale. This initiative is backed by major sponsors, including AIB, Limerick City & County Council, and Enterprise Ireland. In addition, Down Syndrome Limerick will be represented by speaker Annie Conway, highlighting the event’s commitment to community partnerships.

Empowering Women in Business

Established in 1983, Network Ireland supports over 1,400 female entrepreneurs and professionals across diverse sectors, from multinational corporations to non-profits and the arts. Karen Ronan, the President of Network Ireland and CEO of Galway Chamber, emphasized the event’s role in fostering access to opportunity, confidence, and leadership. She expressed her pride in hosting the gathering in Limerick, a city that has greatly influenced her own leadership journey.

“Limerick is a city defined by resilience and ambition,” Ronan noted. “Bringing together women who are scaling brands and leading on global stages reflects exactly where we are as a region.”

John Moran, Mayor of Limerick, reinforced the day’s message, urging attendees to transform celebration into action. “International Women’s Day urges us to ensure that equality, respect, and opportunity are not merely aspirations but realities for all,” he said. The Mayor acknowledged Ronan’s contributions and extended best wishes to Barbara MacCarthy, the new President of the Limerick branch for 2026.

Supporting Female Entrepreneurship

Geraldine Casey, Managing Director of Retail Banking at AIB, highlighted the importance of female success in business. “When women in business thrive, our communities and our economy thrive with them,” Casey stated. She described International Women’s Day as a powerful reminder that progress occurs when ambition is supported by access to finance, networks, and opportunities.

Sarah Walker, Senior Executive at Enterprise Ireland, shared the organization’s commitment to increasing the number of women who start, lead, and grow businesses. “We are delighted to support Network Ireland in hosting this year’s International Women’s Day event,” she remarked. Through various initiatives, such as Going for Growth and WeGrow, Enterprise Ireland aims to equip women with the necessary skills, networks, and funding routes to achieve success.

The event promises to be a pivotal moment for fostering dialogue and collaboration among women leaders, setting the stage for future growth and innovation in various sectors. As Limerick prepares to celebrate International Women’s Day, the focus remains on empowering women and turning aspirations into tangible realities.