Chairperson Celebrates International Women’s Day

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Cathy Mason hosted an afternoon event in the Slieve Donard Hotel Newcastle to celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day.

International Women’s Day is an event that is celebrated globally to recognise, commemorate, and promote women’s achievements in our society. This year’s theme of #BreakTheBias, promotes diversity and inclusivity, celebrating difference.

The afternoon event provided a great opportunity for guests to catch-up with friends and fellow colleagues while connecting with new faces – something that everyone has missed over the past few years.

Breda McCague, Co-Founder of Lean-In Ireland delivered a motivational speech to guests on the role emotional intelligence plays in our success, discussing how to go from being ‘Average to Awesome’! BBC Radio Ulster, Lynette Faye then hosted discussions with our inspirational panel of speakers Alison Morris, Crime Correspondent for the Belfast Telegraph; Karen Sethuraman, First Female Baptist Minister in Ireland, Dorinnia Carville, Deputy Chief Executive Newry, Mourne and Down and Coumilah Manjoo, Anti-Racist Activist. Each shared their journey and experiences with guests, giving insights into how they have been able to #BreakTheBias in their professional and personal lives. Shane Todd then kept everyone entertained with his hilarious stand-up comedy performance.

The event was supported by Regen Waste limited and the proceeds raised through raffling  prizes donated from local companies, will be donated to Women’s Aid, which offers a range of specialist services to women, children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Chairperson, Councillor Cathy Mason said, “I was delighted to host this in-person event to celebrate International Women’s Day and to welcome so many inspirational women. Our fantastic range of guest speakers shared empowering insights into how they continue to break the bias, to promote diversity and inclusivity while celebrating difference in their lives.”

Cllr Mason continued, “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our primary sponsors Re-Gen Waste limited for their invaluable contribution to our International Women’s Day Event, to all the staff at the Slieve Donard Hotel for looking after us so well and to all the companies which donated raffle prizes and gifts; AJC Electrical, The Slieve Donard Hotel, Killeavey Castle Estate, The Canal Court Hotel, Finnebrogue Woods, Freedom Cosmetics, Drop Hopper Coffee, Mourne Mountain Brewery, White Mountain Brewery, BPerfect and the Bolster Community.”

Regen Waste Limited Commercial Director, Celine Grant said, “Regen Waste Limited are delighted to offer our support to International Women’s Day and are proud to be associated with this fantastic event celebrating the many inspirational women in our society.”

To listen to Breda McCague's full Motivational Speech to guests on the role Emotional Intelligence plays in our success click here

To watch our Guest Panel Discussion click here