Empowering Women in to Leadership in Business

“Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.”

Causeway: Ireland Scotland Business Exchange invites you to join us online for an online networking event, that is taking place on Thursday 3 March 2022, ahead of International Women's Day 2022.

January 1st 2022, saw Brigid Whoriskey and Judith O'Leary appointed as Co-Chairs of Causeway and both will be in attendance of the event as well as Jane McCulloch, Consul General of Ireland in Scotland, Irish Government, who will say a few words.

Following on from the success of last year’s event, the Causeway Young Professionals' Committee are hosting the 2022 event on Thursday 3March and hope to empower future generations of women leaders. Claire O’Sullivan, Marketing Manager at Business Fives, and Megan Harkins from Causeway will be hosting the event which has a fantastic line up of speakers.

Guest speakers sharing insights on breaking the bias and career success

Saffron Grant is a civil engineer with nearly twenty-five years’ experience in the construction industry. Fifteen years ago, she set up her first successful business providing practical training for engineers. Through this and her other specialist consultancy business supporting construction companies with digital enablement, she strives to make a positive and lasting difference.

Commenting on this year's International Women's Day theme of Breaking the Bias, Saffron said:

"Having worked in office based and site based roles as well as running two successful construction training and consultancy businesses I have experienced many different perspectives within the industry. I can honestly say it can be both a challenging and extremely rewarding environment for anyone regardless of gender.

“Although the statistics might show the number of women in the industry is increasing, the improvements are marginal and way off the trajectory of reaching a balance any time in the next 200 years.

“The challenges in addressing gender balance in this industry are historic and systemic. You can’t solve a problem with the same thinking that created it. We all need to move beyond conventional wisdom and really understand the complex factors at play in order to break the bias.

“The most powerful action any individual can take to help drive a change is to properly research the benefits of diversity and understand the their personal role in creating the right conditions.

“Causeway is a brilliant membership network to be part of, and I am really looking forward to being part of yet another insightful Causeway networking event!"

Penny Morton, a recent graduate in MEng Product Design Engineering, will also be speaking at the event. Penny is a project engineer at Koolmill Systems and the founder of DIYWomen. Last year, Penny was selected as a Young Pioneer on the Manufacturer Top 100 List. Penny said:

“My drive is engineering a better future. I have been incredibly lucky winning an Innovate UK's Young Innovator Award - It has given me the confidence and financial support to turn DIYWomen into a reality."

Those attending the event will also have the pleasure of hearing from Chupi Sweetman, the founder of a multi-award winning jewellery, brand Chupi. Chupi has scaled her company to a multi-million pound business based in Ireland and has a growing team of 60+ talented individuals create and ship Chupi’s beautiful jewellery to 67 countries around the world.

Attendees will also be able to learn more about LIFT Ireland from Sarah-Lyn McKenna. LIFT Ireland is a social enterprise initiative aimed at increasing the level of positive leadership in Ireland, which Causeway members can participate in as part of the benefits of membership.

As with all Causeway events, this event will also have valuable breakout networking sessions for attendees to give you the opportunity to connect and chat with fellow members and guests from across Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and beyond.