Empowerment and Inspiration on International Women's Day

March 8, 2018

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council collaborated with Cartmill Stewart & Co Chartered Accountants for the Female Entrepreneurs Network event to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Sixty women were in attendance at the House of Vic Ryn and Dr Theresa Donaldson, Chief Executive of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council opened proceedings said: “The theme of International Women’s Day is #PressforProgress – a strong call to motivate and unite friends, colleague and whole communities to think, act and be gender inclusive.   The fact that so many women are here today for this event celebrating Empowerment is encouraging.  I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the Council to give our commitment to growing networks, mentoring, building confidence and supporting women in developing their businesses.”

Samara Prentice, from Evolve Personal Styling Consultancy by Samara shared how she had helped many women discover a new-found confidence in themselves, by helping them to look and feel their best. She explained the importance of colour, of developing a time capsule wardrobe, and of having belief in oneself.

Carmel McKinney OBE explained what empowerment actually meant – about changing an ‘I can’t’ to an ‘I can’. Carmel shared her own experiences of being the first female chairperson of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue in 2015, and how the challenge of being a female leader in a male world had not daunted her. 

Alderman Allan Ewart MBE, Chairman of the Council’s Development Committee, added: “For several years now, the Council has been working to empower and support those women who take a chance and decide to branch out on their own by giving them advice, training and funding to help their businesses thrive and grow. I would encourage local entrepreneurs to keep talking to the Council and let us know what support and advice you need.”

The Right Worshipful the Mayor, Councillor Tim Morrow closing the event, said: “I can sense a real buzz in the room and I hope that everyone will leave today feeling inspired and empowered.  I am pleased to have had the opportunity to support this event in aid of International Women’s Day.”