Chairperson Announces International Women’s Day Event Lineup for 2024

To celebrate International Women’s Day, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Valerie Harte will host an afternoon event in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry at 12.30pm on Friday 8 March.

International Women's Day is a global event celebrated annually to commemorate the cultural, political and socioeconomic achievements of women. This year's theme, #InspiringInclusion, emphasises the pivotal role of inspiring others to understand and value women’s inclusion to forge a better world.

Guests will enjoy an afternoon of entertainment, delicious food provided by some of our wonderful local suppliers as well as a truly inspirational panel of guest speakers. Panel speakers include Sarah Jane Campbell from The Well - a community wellness hub that provides a range of services to support mental health and emotional wellbeing in the Mourne area; Niamh Quinn, founder of the charity Advocacy VSV, which advocates on behalf of and supporting victims of sexual violence through each stage of the Northern Ireland Criminal Justice System and Daria Yakovenko who sought refuge in Northern Ireland with her ill daughter after the break out of the Ukrainian war. Each will share their journey and experiences, giving insights into how they have been able to #InspireInclusion in their professional and personal lives.

During lunch, guests will be treated to live music by local musician, Sarah McVeigh and personal brand consultant and motivational speaker, Billy Dixon, will talk about how each of us as individuals can improve and maximise our potential.

Broadcaster, Lynette Faye, will compère the afternoon’s proceedings including the raffling of prizes generously donated by local companies.  Proceedings of the raffle and ticket sales will be donated to the Chairperson's Chosen Charities - Down Right Brilliant, Life Change Changes Lives, Newry All Stars, Sound Friends and Well Lane Warriors.

Speaking at the launch Chairperson Councillor Valerie Harte said, “International Women’s Day is a time to recognise the contribution that women make within society.  It’s an opportunity to acknowledge progress that has been made and to continue to advocate for change so that together we can forge a better future for everyone. I have used this year’s theme, #InspiringInclusion to showcase women within our own society that are truly inspirational and work every day to make a better world for those they support.

Cllr Harte continued, “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our sponsors Re-Gen Waste limited and the Canal Court Hotel for their invaluable financial contribution towards the event, ensuring that more money will go directly to my chosen charities. I am confident that many organisations will want to purchase a ticket to celebrate International Women’s Day and help #InspireInclusion.”

Tickets for the event are priced at £36+vat per person or £360 +vat for a table of 10. They can be booked through our Democratic Services Team by emailing democratic.services@nmandd.org or by telephoning 0330 137 4860.