WoW!: International Women’s Day and what it means to the people of Cork 

This Saturday marks International Women’s Day - a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.

The theme of this year’s event is #AccelerateAction, with participants calling for action to accelerate women’s equality.

“At the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158, which is roughly five generations from now, to reach full gender parity, according to data from the World Economic Forum,” a spokesperson for IWD said.

“Focusing on the need to Accelerate Action emphasises the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality. It calls for increased momentum and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face, both in personal and professional spheres,” the spokesperson added.

To mark IWD this year, we asked women in Cork to tell us what International Women’s Day means to them.

Former Cork ladies footballer, Juliet Murphy, and Network Ireland Cork President, Cathy Fitzgibbon, joined us in studio for a special WoW! IWD podcast which is now available here. 

Our reporters Elaine Whelan and Chani Anderson went out on the streets of Cork to ask people about their views on IWD.

Many more of you responded to our calls on our website and on social media to share your thoughts on the day.

Here we share some of these responses: 

Sian Horn, Business mentor and coach, founder of The Club for Female Founders

International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and impact of women in every aspect of life. For me, it’s about connection - lifting each other up, sharing our stories, and creating opportunities through meaningful conversations.

As a networking expert and host of The Bebelle Podcast, I’ve seen first-hand how collaboration fuels success. It’s not just about aiming high; it’s about bringing others along on the journey.

When women support and learn from each other, we don’t just build businesses - we build confidence, communities, and real opportunities. True success is never a solo effort; it’s the collective power of shared ambition and support that makes the difference.’

Valerie O’Sullivan, Chief Executive, Cork City Council

I’ve never been one for dwelling on barriers or bias in my career or life. I naturally try to find ways to do things instead of reasons why we can’t.

It helps that I’m not easily offended because resilience is needed for progression, and none of this work is about me. It is about Cork city.

Work, like life, gives you plenty of opportunities to step up. It’s up to you to take them. My public sector career is about trying to get things done, and in every assignment, trying to leave a place better than I found it and that has served me well.

My mantra is always ‘do the right thing’ – even when that is harder, or it’s not what you’d like to do, or you don’t agree with it.

The job is to manage the City Council and the city, and to make sure we are all focused on serving its communities – residents, business, arts, sporting, commercial, cultural, and many more – and to do so in a sustainable way – for everybody.

Juli Rea, Solicitor, JRAP O’Meara LLP

As a female solicitor who has practised in Cork city and county for over 30 years, International Women’s Day has long been of interest and this year’s theme, ‘Accelerate Action” is particularly striking.

Throughout my career, I have witnessed significant progress in gender equality, yet I am conscious too of the barriers to progression that women continue to face in the legal profession and beyond.

This year’s theme reminds me that, while we have made strides, there is still a lot to do to ensure future generations are not faced with these barriers.

While working in business in Cork is a real joy, and while I have personally never felt discriminated against as a female practitioner, I have certainly seen firsthand the impact of gender inequality on other women’s careers.

It is important therefore that those of us who have a voice continually advocate for change and seek action to ensure that gender is not a barrier because, as that lovely Irish saying goes ‘ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine’.”

Anna Healy, President Network Ireland, West Cork and Anna Healy Coaching

To me “Accelerate Action” means making things happen NOW- taking responsibility for what needs to happen NOW in order to progress gender equality.

As a coach and mentor, I have dedicated my career to empowering others to achieve success.

When I stepped into the role of President of Network Ireland West Cork, I chose the theme #BuildingCapacity as I wanted to ensure that our members grow with confidence in their own abilities and build their capacity for more opportunities, more experiences and more career and business success.

Our branch is taking action by including and encouraging our members to be speakers at our events and apply for the Network Ireland Businesswoman of the Year awards.

Our members are successful ambitious women who deserve the recognition for all their hard work.

And we will give them the platform and the opportunity to grow their skills here so that they can excel elsewhere!

Caitriona Twomey

On International Women’s Day, let us unite under the theme ‘Accelerate Action for Women’s Equality’.

It’s a call to not just recognise the challenges women face, but to actively work towards dismantling barriers and fostering inclusivity.

Together, we can amplify voices, challenge stereotypes, and drive meaningful change.

Every action, big or small, contributes to a future where equality is not just a goal, but a reality.

Let’s accelerate progress, inspire each other, and create a world where all women thrive.

Nadine Hughes Campbell, Author, Noah’s Adventures

I was fortunate to be raised by a strong single mother who always reminded my brother, sister, and I, that women are just as capable as men, sometimes even more so.

She instilled this belief in us from childhood and continues to echo it today. She celebrates our wins, and is the first one to cheer for women everywhere who are breaking barriers and raising the bar, and now shares that same empowering message with my own children. Through her, they are learning that there are no limits to what women can achieve.

Yet, even with my mother’s unwavering guidance, International Women’s Day is more than just a celebration of women’s achievements.

To me, it is a reminder that we are still fighting for an equal seat at the table.

This day honours the incredible women who paved the way before me, including my mother and grandmother, and reminds me of the responsibility I have to leave for the young girls who will follow.

It is also about recognition, not just from our counterparts but from ourselves as women.

We must acknowledge the female athletes who don’t receive the same support or investment as men, the women in politics whose voices are still underrepresented, and the many industries where women must work twice as hard to be taken seriously and earn equal pay.

Too often, women are overlooked for mentorship and treated as less capable simply because of outdated norms that should no longer exist.

I am grateful to be raising my daughter in a country where she has access to incredible opportunities and is on a path toward possible gender parity.

But I cannot ignore the countless little girls around the world who don’t have that same chance simply because of the gender they were born into.

IWD is a call for those of us who can to amplify our voices and push for change, because being born a girl should never be a disadvantage.

I find strength in knowing that so many fearless, brave women have come before me. They may not have had their names in the headlines or statues in their honour, but their contributions, big or small, have all helped move us forward.

This year’s theme, ‘Accelerate Action’, is a powerful reminder that we must speed up the pace, but this call to action isn’t just for today, it’s a commitment to ensuring that the women around us, and those yet to come, are seen.

For me, it starts in the home. I believe in promoting equal education for all children, reminding my kids that they are both entitled to the best opportunities and capable of achieving anything they set their minds to.

In our house, we challenge traditional gender roles, my husband and I share household responsibilities, and we encourage play without limits, whether it’s with dolls or diggers.

Small actions like this help shape the way the next generation views equality.

International Women’s Day reminds me of how far we’ve come, but also how much work remains. It’s a call to action, a moment to reflect, and an opportunity to work towards gender parity, as we all have a role to play

Aisling Breen, Solicitor, RDJ

I am an Associate in RDJ’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution department.

International Women’s Day 2025 is focusing on #AccelerateAction and promoting gender equality. I believe it is important to have role models to look up to - let that be in sport, business, education, politics, and for me, the legal profession.

The profession has now more than 50% females practising with more females getting a seat at the table as time progresses.

In RDJ, there is great support from colleagues (both male and female) who provide encouragement and support, to grow within the firm. I am a member of the Law Society’s Younger Members Committee and subcommittee for retention, recruitment and regional representation.

My colleagues and I recently held a Legal Careers evening in RDJ’s office on South Mall with an interactive panel discussion in a bid to showcase that there are great jobs to be got in this profession in Cork. We had a fantastic turn-out of enthusiastic students, many of which were female.

In what was previously known as a very male-dominated profession, it is refreshing to see that the tide is turning and action is being taken to ensure that there will be female representation in the years to come!

Dr Imanda Jayawardena, MSCA-Research Ireland Fellow, Tyndall National Institute

I am a biomaterials scientist by training. I currently work with the Biophotonics team at Tyndall on a MSCA-Research Ireland funded project, where I combine biomaterials with optical techniques to non-invasively monitor bone regeneration.

I believe that International Women’s Day is an important day to not only celebrate women but also to discuss and address concerns surrounding women. This year’s theme Accelerate Action is a great opportunity to do this.

As an early-career female scientist, I believe there need to be improvements is in recruiting, retaining and developing diverse talent, including women. Especially since early-career research positions are short-lived; institutional or national programmes to foster long-term scientific development of early-career scientists would be a big step forward.

This also ties in well with supporting women and girls into leadership and STEM. More support is also required around maternity and family, ensuring that these essential commitments don’t impede women’s progress in STEM.

It would be great to see some of these addressed as a result of this year’s Accelerate Action initiative.”

Samantha Lancashire, Trainer and coach; specialising in sales and leadership development

As a leadership trainer, coach and advocate for women in tech, International Women’s Day is more than just a date, it’s a call to action.

This year’s theme is Accelerating Action - meaning challenging outdated norms, creating real opportunities, and ensuring that women don’t just have a seat at the table, but a voice that is heard and valued.

For me, this is personal. Having navigated a male-dominated industry, I faced self-doubt, but learnt first-hand the power of resilience, advocacy and mentorship. With some great male champions beside me and some amazing female mentors, I was able to achieve leadership roles at a global level through hard work, advocacy and support.

Now, I’m committed to helping other women rise - through leadership training, coaching, and fostering spaces where they can thrive.

Having women in leadership isn’t just good for representation, it’s good for business too - as companies with women in at least 30% of leadership positions are 15% more likely to outperform their peers financially, (McKinsey, 2020).

If you want to accelerate change, start by amplifying the voices of women in your workplace and industry. Sponsor their ideas in meetings, challenge bias when you see it, and open doors for the next generation of female leaders to come through.

We need those who mentor, advocate, challenge bias, and champion change with us and for us. Because when women lead, industries innovate, and businesses thrive.

This IWD, let’s not just celebrate. Let’s take action together.

Louise Kane Buckley, naturopath and nutritional therapist, and secretary for Network Ireland Cork Branch

This year’s theme, ‘Accelerate Action’, is a call to create a world where equal rights, power, and opportunities are unlocked for all. It is a reminder that progress is not passive - it requires commitment, persistence, and the courage to challenge the status quo.

For me, this day is deeply personal. It makes me think of my mother, a strong and determined woman who fought for us in ways I didn’t always appreciate at the time. She never had the chance to attend university, though she longed to be a teacher. Yet, she never stopped learning, improving herself, and lifting others up. She became a tutor, proofreading everything I wrote, and instilled in me the ability to articulate my thoughts, question the world around me, and stand up for those who could not do the same for themselves. I miss her.

And every day, as I parent my own strong-willed, brilliant daughter, I understand her more. I see the legacy of her resilience and wisdom reflected in both of us.

In my work as a naturopath, I continue this mission, empowering women to understand their bodies, adapt to change, and recognise how incredible they already are. Trusting in Mother Nature, I help them reconnect with the innate wisdom of their bodies, embracing natural rhythms and the power of self-healing.

True empowerment comes not from fitting into external expectations, but from embracing who we are, in all our individuality and inner strength.

No-one should be left behind. Every woman deserves to be seen and heard. We all have a place, and we all have a voice. And when we stand together, when we accelerate action, we create a world where no-one has to fight alone

Tracy McCarthy, owner, Naturally Balanced.

This year’s theme of accelerating action holds so much significance.

It reflects for me how my year has begun in business, opening new premises, taking on new members to our team and receiving an award for our product.

This has been made possible by the encouragement and support of so many people and organisations mentoring, advising and guiding me as a woman in business.

Each of us can truly play our part in making significant change by celebrating each other’s achievements and educating and raising awareness.

I see the return on this daily for women in business, more so this year with my involvement on the committee for Network Ireland Cork through mentoring, social media promotion and networking. It really does take a village!

Diane Higgins, designer- Diane Higgins Design, networker - VP Network Cork, teacher, mother, woman

To me, ‘accelerate action’ means everyone moving together to create momentum.

For women, supporting each other is a way to move forward together, allowing the pace of movement to increase and allowing change to happen faster.

Helping the next generation along also allows a seamless flow of change into the future.

‘Championing women can’t be limited to one day’

Orla McAndrew, chef and event caterer

Accelerate action resonates deeply with me as a zero-waste event caterer and a mother of three, especially in the context of International Women’s Day 2025.

For me, it embodies the urgency to create meaningful change in our communities and the world at large. As a caterer, I prioritise sustainable practices, minimising waste and promoting local, plant-based ingredients. Accelerating action means intensifying these efforts and inspiring others to adopt eco-friendly habits, particularly in the events industry, which often generates significant waste.

Being a mother amplifies my commitment. I want to instil values of sustainability and responsibility in my children, teaching them that every small action counts.

Accelerating action means not just setting an example at home, but also advocating for systemic changes that support sustainable practices in our communities. It’s about collaborating with other women and organisations to amplify our voices, sharing resources, and driving initiatives that promote environmental stewardship.

On this International Women’s Day, I envision a world where women lead the charge in sustainability, creating a ripple effect that empowers future generations. By accelerating action today, we can forge a path towards a cleaner, healthier planet, ensuring that our children inherit a world where sustainability is the norm, not the exception.

Dianne Curtin, Visual artist and food writer

International Women’s Day has much meaning for me as a practicing visual artist exploring the topic of gender-based violence since the outbreak of Covid-19, which highlighted the issue in Ireland and globally.

Using a combination of deep research and personal experiences of women who have been kind enough to share their stories, I create work which acknowledges these experiences in a mindful way.

This year’s International Women’s Day, I am honoured to be showing some of this work in the iconic Sexual Violence Centre in Cork, which has supported so many women affected by sexual assault and its aftermath.

The service was launched on International Women’s Day, 1983, by Mary Crilly, founder and CEO, so I’m delighted to participate in this year’s anniversary celebration of the Centre and its staff, who are second to none in their fields of expertise.

The exhibition includes a participatory virtual reality presentation and an artist talk, which I hope will encourage conversation and create a powerful opportunity to amplify the female voice, and advocate for revolutionary change within our society.

All are welcome at the centre for a gathering and refreshments from 6pm-8pm on Saturday, March 8, so please come and add your voice!

Michell Gould, Sinn Féin councilor for Cork City North West

I was proud to be elected to Cork City Council in June. I have been very intentional about balancing family and political life and now, I am passionate about encouraging other women to take the leap too.

The fact that female councillors are still in the minority speaks for the need for more women at the decision-making tables.

I feel that sometimes confident women are labelled as ‘difficult’, which highlights an unfortunate reality in politics where a woman with an opinion is often seen as a negative trait.

Like our two female Sinn Féin leaders, I stand up for the value of strong, confident women.

Encouraging other women to get involved in all areas of life - be it politics, sports, business or the arts - is key.

Every step forward creates more space for future generations. Calling for gender equality and inclusivity is so important as it’s essential to ensure that all voices are heard, regardless of background.

We need to break barriers but also pave the way for others to feel empowered. I have two wonderful daughters and I hope that they too will live in a world where they can stand tall and be proud!

Ingrid Seim, Founder of Avenues Consultancy and Coaching, and former president of Network Cork.

I have worked in the space of gender equality and female leadership for years. And at the moment, it might seem like the actions that are being accelerated in the world around us are bringing us backwards rather than forward.

It can be a hard pill to swallow when momentum that has been gained so painstakingly over the years suddenly seems at risk of being not just halted but actively sabotaged. But we need to keep going. And to remember that the world is still more nuanced than it might seem at times.

Now, more than ever, we need women in power, we need diversity in leadership, we need to make sure that the mechanisms to make that happen are in place.

And these haven’t changed: accessible and affordable child care, family friendly policies, increased maternity leave, increased paternity leave, looking for what makes life easier for everyone. We will all benefit. And it is urgent.

Fiona O’Riordan, teacher

I’m Fiona, a wife, mum of two boys, two cats and a primary teacher since 2006.

I love music and feel fortunate it’s a huge part of my work every day. I sing, play and promote it with my own children.

I’m also passionate about sport and promotion of youth sport in particular.

I have county youth camogie medals and a Munster hockey medal. I always enjoy volunteering to promote camogie, ladies football, soccer, basketball and athletics in all of the schools I’ve worked in.

In 2015, I completed my M.Ed part-time in UCC and explored targeting the concept of challenging behaviour presented among seven-year-old pupils through sport promotion in schools.

Now, as a mum of three lively boys, I love driving them to sporting events across all codes in Cork and Munster.

Accelerate action to me means not taking for granted the hard work that has gone into promoting girls and females at school, college, work, and beyond.

Never presume or assume all children are supported equally in terms of gender, race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, culture, orientation, educational background etc.

Females need supportive men and colleagues in their lives.

Thank you to our dads, brothers, friends, teammates, colleagues and neighbours who support us on our journey.

The glass ceiling is not broken yet... hopefully in my children’s and grandchildren’s lifetimes.

We all have a personal responsibility to accelerate action by looking out for one another.

Le grá do mná na hÉirinn inniu.

Tara Woulfe, In-House Legal Counsel - Tyndall National Institute, UCC

International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of fantastic female role models. For me, the theme #AccelerateAction highlights the necessity for organisations to prioritise taking swift and decisive steps to provide a working environment that enables women to thrive.

Championing talented women can’t be limited to just one day and there needs to be follow-through and investment.

We need to see more women in leadership roles at the top of organisations. For real and positive change to happen, and to happen quickly, women need to be able to influence policies from the top down.

Mentoring programmes are a great way of supporting women to progress in their career, if that’s what they wish to do. It can feel overwhelming at times for women who are trying to balance work and family life - it’s invaluable to have an opportunity to speak to someone who has been there, can share their experiences and offer advice.

Lucy O’Donoghue, Founder, Lucy O’Donoghue Consulting

For me, International Women’s Day 2025 is a time to reflect on the journey of women in business. As a female business owner, I witness daily the resilience, ambition, creativity and achievements of incredible women, many balancing multiple roles while building successful careers. The strength of female entrepreneurs, the power of networking within organisations such as Network Cork and the Ballincollig Business Association and the rise of women-led businesses are reshaping the landscape.

This day reminds me why I love what I do. To mentor, encourage, support and champion other women. Success shouldn’t be a solo journey; it’s about lifting others as we rise together.

Let’s continue to promote, celebrate and empower one another - not just today, but every day.

Julia Lynes, Co-Founder, The Learning Abroad Company

International Women’s Day is an important opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women across the world.

We are often too quick to move on to the next challenge and we don’t take pause to enjoy and recognise what we have achieved.

March 8 also reminds us to appreciate those women who made our path a little easier and to never lose sight of our responsibility to continue paving the way for those women who are making their way behind us.

Lisa Walsh, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Bundledocs.

International Women’s Day is a reminder for me, as a co-founder and Chief Operating Officer, to continually encourage the next generation to explore opportunities in the technology sector.

We have a diverse team at Bundledocs, including women in roles across software development, sales and customer support in our offices in Cork, Sydney and Toronto.

This year’s theme, Accelerate Action, is about more than just conversation - it’s about putting in the work to ensure greater opportunities for women in STEM.

The legal tech industry is evolving rapidly, and with roles spanning software development, AI, product design, and customer engagement, there’s huge potential for women to build rewarding careers.

From my perspective, I’m committed to fostering an environment where our employees can grow, upskill, and thrive.

I actively mentor team members embarking on their careers, sharing my experiences in both the industry and in building a business.

Now, more than ever, we need strong and diverse voices shaping innovation. Real change happens when we take action - not just today, but every day.

Zixiao Zhang, final-year PhD researcher at Tyndall National Institute

I am a PhD researcher at Tyndall National Institute, working on advanced Radio Frequency (RF) technologies to improve wireless communication.

My journey in STEM has been shaped by a passion for innovation, a drive to contribute to technology development, and the inspiration of strong role models.

To me, International Women’s Day is a celebration of women’s achievements and leadership in all fields, including STEM.

This year’s theme, ‘Accelerate Action’, highlights the need to move beyond discussions and take meaningful steps to empower women in leadership and innovation.

From my own experience, seeing women in senior technical roles has been inspiring, proving that leadership in STEM is possible.

To truly accelerate change, we must amplify female voices, foster mentorship networks, and create more leadership opportunities.

By ensuring visibility and support, we can build a future where women are not just participants but leaders in shaping technology and innovation.