Cavan business ladies mark 'International Women’s Day'

'Recognising the fantastic achievements of women locally and internationally'

Cavan Women in Business Network marked International Women’s Day this morning with an event at the local Digital Hub under the theme: ‘Unlocking Potential in You and Your Business’.

During the main address which was provided virtually by Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys, she highlighted how the event recognised the “fantastic achievements” of women locally and internationally.

“This shows how far we have come; the barriers we have broken down; and the positive difference we have made,” the Minister continued. “This is also a day where we recognise that there is still a lot more work to do.”

Minister Humphreys then pointed to how today’s occasion in Cavan town coincided with local Enterprise Week - an event that provides business owners across the country with the opportunity to come together, collaborate, and foster opportunities to expand and diversify.

“Local enterprise week is not just for established businesses; it also gives those with new business ideas the opportunity to find out what support is available to help them get started,” she added.

Meanwhile, Tara Humphreys from Cavan LEO spoke about the organisation’s mentoring programme and the lifeline it often provides to women in business locally.

Ms Humphreys said the programme consisted of 40 mentors with wide ranging skills, experience and expertise designed to support business owners with difficulties that arise for them.

“Three hour sessions are provided with the mentor to trash out the problems that have arisen,” she added. “To avail of the service, members need to register with the local LEO and we will take it from there.”

Cavan Digital Hub, which hosted this morning’s inspiring event, is managed by Susan Navarro. She said that today held “significant importance” for the facility owing to International Women’s Day.

“The Hub’s mission is to transform, support and connect,” she continued, before adding that it provides everything from workspace, to offices, meeting rooms and connecting businesses with each other to help them grow.

“We have a fantastic group of clients here,” Ms Navarro continued. “Together they employ over 80 staff locally - 25 of which are women - working mostly in digital, AI, web and software development.

“We take pride in commitment here at Cavan Digital Hub; our community includes individuals from various backgrounds and experiences with special emphasis on empowering women.

"It is clear, however, that women are under-represented and while the discrepancy is not unique to our organisation, it is a reflection of broader trends in society, especially in the tech sector.

“While we have come a long way in such a short period of time and change is happening, events like today are crucial because they serve as a guiding light for those who come after us. Today recognises that it is through women trailblazers - like those in the Cavan Women in Network - that real change can occur.”

Other speakers this morning included Deirdre Murtagh, Director Causey Farm and Ger Cunningham, R Internet Services, Monaghan. More details in next week’s Anglo Celt.