Companies across Ireland are invited to be part of International Women’s Day by taking part in a fundraiser organised by Dress for Success Dublin.
International Women’s Day takes place tomorrow, and the charity is running a campaign this year to encourage businesses to support workplace equality.
The organisation was established to support women’s economic independence and promotes gender equality in the workplace.
Its 2021 campaign will see organisations across Ireland raising funds on March 8th to support the delivery of employment and career services to support women into sustainable careers.
Dress for Success Dublin is inviting companies to be part of International Women’s Day in a number of ways.
Firms can host an event and fundraiser or join the 'Dress for Success Dublin Pecha Kucha Event' tomorrow.
This webinar will be hosted by Sonya Lennon, Founder of Dress for Success Dublin, with the panel comprising of several high-profile women from the sporting, business, and media sectors.
Companies can also support the campaign by "donating their commute to help other women on their journey to economic independence".
Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast with Susan Keogh, Jenny Egan, an Irish sprint and marathon canoeist, explained the ethos of Dress for Success.
"The mission of Dress for Success Dublin is to promote the economic independence of women and build an Ireland where everyone's skills and potential are recognised by a society that champions workplace equality and remuneration," she said.
Ms Egan said it was important to celebrate International Women’s Day this year more than ever before given the strains the pandemic has caused.
"Women have taken on so many different roles this year, more so than ever because of the COVID-19 pandemic and women are exhausted, most of them, at this time," she said.
"My way of life [as a full-time athlete] is very different to some other people but I know some women who are trying to hold a full-time job at home, they're trying to mind their children, they're trying to do homeschooling, so it's just a very difficult situation for everyone.
"It's difficult but that's why International Women’s Day is so important and more important than ever this year to highlight the strength and power women need to persevere during these difficult times.
Ms Egan is also a member of Sporting Ireland's Women in Sport Steering Committee which aims to achieve equality in sport.
There has been great progression with this in recent years, she said, but this momentum needs to be maintained.
"The message is there's a place for everyone in sport and there's a place for women in every aspect of sport," she said.
This doesn't mean just being an athlete, rather there are numerous ways to be involved, including management or governing roles.
Ms Egan is encouraging women to pursue such roles as many have the same skillsets as the men applying but may be less likely to put themselves forward.
More information on the campaign and tomorrow's webinar can be found here.
