51±¾É« President Professor Kerstin Mey hosted three female university counterparts on campus for a conference marking International Women’s Day this Friday.
The International Women’s Day Conference took place in UL and celebrated ‘Women and leadership for peace and sustainability’.
Each university president – Professor Mey, Professor Eeva Leinonen, President, Maynooth University, Dr Orla Flynn, President, Atlantic Technological University and Professor Veronica Campbell, President, South-East Technological University – gave presentations at the conference, which was chaired by Liz O’Donnell, former Deputy Leader of the Progressive Democrats and current Chairperson of the Road Safety Authority, while Nora Clinton, Head of the Mission-oriented Innovation Network at UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose, was keynote speaker.
Dr Marie Connolly, Director Human Rights, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion at UL, welcomed the attendees to the event, which took place in the Main Building and also featured a roundtable discussion.
Professor Mey said: “As academic institutions, it is vitally important that we continue to lead and provoke debate on the progress made towards gender equality and to renew our efforts in addressing the persistent challenges that women face globally. Research consistently shows that gender-diverse leadership teams lead to better decision-making and improved outcomes. However, effecting systemic and societal shifts to accomplish and uphold this remains an ongoing and interactive endeavour.
“This was a wonderful opportunity to bring my three fellow presidents on campus today to celebrate what is a major day in our calendar of events, a day to celebrate being a woman, a day dedicated to celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide. It is also a time to reflect on the progress made towards gender equality and to renew our efforts in addressing the persistent challenges that women face globally.
“Women's leadership is crucial for building peaceful and sustainable societies. Women bring unique perspectives, experiences, and skills to leadership roles, which are essential for addressing complex issues such as conflict resolution, environmental sustainability, and social justice. Research consistently shows that gender-diverse leadership teams lead to better decision-making and improved outcomes,†Professor Mey added.