International Women’s Day 2025 with the Sligo Women in Business Network

Sometimes, so much of life is spent behind a computer, that I forget there is a world out there, and that there are people who understand, and empathise. Today, I went along to the Hawk’s Well Theatre, for the International Women’s Day 2025 with the Sligo Women in Business Network.
This year’s theme is “Accelerate Action” – a call for swift and decisive steps toward gender equality.

I was there with Momentum Educate and Innovate, who I’ve proudly worked for since 2019. I get to work on some amazing projects, that cover all kinds of topics, it’s always interesting, and it was lovely to chat to some of the people today and put a spotlight on some of the projects, including 3 Kitchens, I’ve seen the difference that this project has made in the lives of people who are new to a country. Food can make connections, and 3 Kitchens is a food focused adult education initiative to empower migrant women in three key areas: volunteering, employment, and entrepreneurship.

The Sligo Women in Business event consisted of journalist, and former senator Susan O’Keeffe, who hosted the panel discussion, alongside:

 Anna Miklikowska & Barbara Aluk – Oxyzone, Sligo

Joanna Frivet – War Crimes Lawyer & Entrepreneur

Senator Nessa Cosgrove – Advocate for Workers’ Rights & Community Development

I have spoken to Anna from Oxyzone before, and her story is so inspiring, she has also featured on my podcast. You can find out more here.

Fran Best is the facilitator of Sligo Women in Business, and she’s one of the most supportive people that I know. We are lucky to have her to front the network. I also loved meeting the other women who were at the event, it’s such a warm and welcoming network to be part of.

Senator Nessa Cosgrove spoke about her journey as a councillor, she said there were only three women out of 18 people on the council when she started out as a councillor, and she explained that it’s important to give women choices, many of them struggle as they are traditionally care givers. Nessa would like to see legislation to allow people to work from home wherever possible.

Susan O’Keefe is involved with the Yeats Society of Sligo, and the board of management at the society is 50/50. Susan spoke of possibly the first women’s network in Ireland – the ICA (Irish Country Women’s Association) and how they probably don’t get the credit they deserve.

Anna spoke about living with a chronic illness for ten years, it made her feel anxious. Swibn was a safe welcoming space and has enabled her to start her transition as a social butterfly. Anna’s mentor told her to visualise herself overcoming her illness and imagine herself on a stage talking about her journey and now it’s a reality.

Barbara spoke about collaboration, not competition, she said there needs to be a focus on not competing with men, or each other. Barbara said we should support each other and build a momentum. This will lead to a bigger collective, and a stronger network.

The big message was that women’s rights have come a long way, but a lot of work needs to be done to support women, and we don’t have to compete with men, we should celebrate the differences.

Joanna used to wonder why she put herself under pressure going to women’s events, but she came away inspired and met like-minded women who may already have done the same journey that she was on. Joanna doesn’t want to be the person in the back seat saying are we there yet, she wants to be in the driver’s seat to accelerate. She explained women together can have a vision of how to get to their goal.

As always, it was a very thought-provoking event, and a lovely way to meet and network with others. Gg’s Food Truck were there were with their gorgeous food, and friendly faces.

I also loved meeting the students from the ATU, who launched their period promise initiative this week. They had a brilliant idea of encouraging attendees to paint their nails pink, to #nailthestigma of periods.

Thanks so much to Fran and Shona (from Sligo Local Enterprise Office), for a wonderful event. Find out more about Sligo Women in Business here. A special thank you to Caitriona from Get Up and Go, who gave each of the attendees a beautiful diary.