International Women's Day marked at event in Laois

An event to mark International Women's Day is taking place in the Chamber of Laois County Council this Wednesday, March 8.

The theme of International Women’s Day this year is ‘Embrace Equity’. With that in mind, the event aims to both celebrate women contributing to public life and highlight the need for gender balance and diversity across the public, community and political spectrums.

Women from a variety of community groups across Co. Laois will be in attendance. The keynote speaker will be Ms. Ellen O’ Malley – Dunlop, a native of Rathdowney.

Ellen previously served as CEO for the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre for 10 years. She is a highly respected advocate for the rights of victims of sexual violence. Ellen was also elected as chair of the board of the National Women’s Council of Ireland in 2017.

She served as a member of the Board of Gaisce, The President’s Award, for 5 years, and is now serving as a member of The Legal Aid Board. She is currently Member of the Council of Europe GREVIO Committee.

The event will be hosted by Chairperson of Laois County Council, Cllr Thomasina Connell.

“We are keen to facilitate a discussion on these important issues and would ask that you consider sharing your own experiences of overcoming challenges and how you have ‘embraced equity’ we would love to hear from you,” said Cllr Connell.

“Please feel free to bring another woman from your organisation with you if you so wish.”