Shannon Chamber marks International Women’s Day with special panel discussion

Four high-profile women in business, and the arts, took part in a panel discussion on closing gender barriers in the workplace and beyond.

Shannon firm Element Six teamed up with the Shannon Chamber to host the event to mark International Women’s Day.

Siobhan Duffy, the first female chief executive of Element Six, multi-award-winning entrepreneur, Ailbhe Keane of Izzy Wheels, VHI project manager, Lavinia Duggan-Ryan and distance runner and mindful running coach Catherina McKiernan made up the panel.

Lisa Mulvihill, senior human resources professional with Element Six, was the moderator.

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Ms Duffy said equality in business is about not feeling different for being a woman but about encouraging women to be louder.

She stressed the importance of innovation and leadership in driving gender equality.

She called on people to not refer to women in sport, but instead focus on people in sport.

Ms McKiernan said that actions speak louder than words, that empowerment lies in achievements, and that mindfulness and well-being help in achieving goals.

Ms Keane recalled how she and sister Izzy have transformed wheelchairs into vibrant personal statements, showcasing the power of innovation and breaking barriers in both business and disability representation.

And Ms Ryan-Duggan, who hails from Caherdavin, blended her research at the Technological University of the Shannon with real-world experiences to share insights on how equity, inclusion and leadership development can empower individuals and organisations.