Melissa Doyle, Business Advisor, Carlow Local Enterprise Office and Joanne Sweeney, Digital Expert

International Women's Day (IWD) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity with the theme for this year’s event, ‘EmbraceEquity’.

Local Enterprise Office Carlow hosted an inspiring Powerhouse Event which took place in the Seven Oaks Hotel, Carlow. Joanne Sweeney, Digital Expert, who was MC at the event, also shared her inspiring story.  Joanne Sweeney is the founder of Digital Training Institute, a published author and a passionate podcaster. She’s currently writing her second digital marketing book. A former broadcast journalist, Joanne went back behind the mic over two years ago to launch her weekly podcast, JSB Talks Digital. Taking to the panel, Annette Fox CEO of Carlow County Development Partnership, Norah Ryan Managing Director of Barrow Consultancy and Training Carlow and Melissa Doyle Business Advisor in Carlow Local Enterprise Office shone the light on the importance of digital in business.

Speaking about the event, Cllr. Michael Doran, Leas Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council said, “It is great to see a great number here today representing businesses in Carlow on this special day, International Women’s Day”. Concluding Cllr. Michael Doran said, “Finally, I would like to congratulate you all for being here and also for being in business and supporting each other”.

Today is a wonderful celebration for women in business and International Women’s Day is a great opportunity for female entrepreneurs to recognise women for their achievements in business and celebrates women's contributions to society, raises awareness about the fight for gender parity, and inspires support for organisations that help women globally.”

Melissa Doyle, Business Advisor, Carlow Local Enterprise Office said, “International Women’s Day is one of the most important days of the year to celebrate women's achievements, educate and raise awareness of women's equality and call for positive change in advancing women”. Melissa concluded saying, “Today is a great opportunity to support, connect and reflect on our own business plans but also, International Women’s Day doesn’t just celebrate the accomplishments and successes each female entrepreneur has achieved in the world, but it proves what is possible”.

For more information on Powerhouse Women in Business Network, please log onto www.localenterprise.ie/Carlow  or contact Melissa Doyle, Local Enterprise Office mdoyle@carlowcoco.ie

Panel: Melissa Doyle, Business Advisor, Carlow Local Enterprise Office; Annette Fox, CEO Carlow County Development Partnership and Norah Ryan, Barrow Consultancy and Training Carlow