SWIBN - Celebrate International Women's Day

Celebrate International Women’s Day with the Sligo Women in Business Network!

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Give to Gain.”

In business and in life, giving takes many forms — mentoring, sharing knowledge, supporting community initiatives, purchasing locally, and uplifting others. Just as importantly, every one of us has gained from the generosity of others.

Join Sligo Women in Business Network as we celebrate the women whose giving strengthens our businesses, our communities, and each other.

Guest Speakers

Maria Walsh, MEP — Midlands–North-West 

Maria is now in her second term as a Fine Gael MEP, representing 15 counties across the Midlands–North West. She serves on the Agriculture & Rural Development (AGRI) and Women’s Rights & Gender Equality (FEMM) committees, and is also an active member of LIBE and REGI. Her priorities span women’s rights, mental health, regional development, and agricultural advocacy, giving voice to women, young girls, rural communities, and those in need of stronger mental health supports.

🎨 Tara McGowan — Founder & Director, Cairde Sligo Arts Festival 

With nearly 30 years of experience in the arts, Tara founded and continues to lead the Cairde Sligo Arts Festival. Working with a small, dedicated team, she curates a dynamic programme each year — from theatre and literature to street performance and contemporary art. Her long-standing commitment to creativity and community has helped shape one of Sligo’s most vibrant cultural events.

💜 Carmel McNamee — Manager, Domestic Violence Advocacy Service (DVAS) 

Carmel leads the specialist DVAS team supporting women experiencing domestic violence and coercive control in Sligo, Leitrim, and West Cavan. With deep frontline experience, she brings an invaluable perspective on how community collaboration plays a vital role in preventing violence against women and supporting survivors.

📅 Friday, March 6th 🕧 12:30pm – 2:00pm (Registration from 12:15pm)

🥗 A light lunch will be served at 1:30pm

📍 City Hall, Quay Street, Sligo, F91 PP44

🎟️ All women in business are warmly invited — come connect, learn, and be inspired.

Let’s come together to celebrate, support and uplift the women whose giving makes all our gains possible.

**Should you have any special requirements, please contact localenterprise@sligococo.ie in advance and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.**