Events
International Women’s Day
(Mourne District Council)Details
Celebrate International Women’s Day
On Friday 10 March 2006 Newry and Mourne District Council celebrated International Women’s Day by hosting a very exciting and informative morning for all female employees. The morning was also used to highlight the recent Launch of Women in Local Government.
All 153 female employees were invited to attend and although this posed some operational issues the majority of women attended the morning event, thereby showing the commitment that Newry and Mourne Council have to recognising the efforts of women within the organisation.
The women were welcomed by Mayor Pat Mc Ginn who spoke of the pivotal role played by women in Local Councils and the difficulty facing them in the workplace especially when trying to balance other domestic caring responsibilities. He stressed that it was still very much seen as the responsibility of women to be the main carers in the home and combining this with either full or part-time employment shows that despite great changes in the modern world there has not been sufficient progress made to acknowledge the contribution played by women. Nor have there been enough opportunities available for women to progress. He said:-
“Women have always played a pivotal role in the work of the Council and it is important that opportunities exist to enable women to rise through the managerial ranks and I hope that many of you will avail of the prospects to advance your career within local government.”
Newry And Mourne District Council’s four female Elected Representatives, Councillors Geraldine Donnelly, Marian Mathers, Karen McKevitt and Josephine O’Hare attended the event accompanied by MLAs Margaret Ritchie and Catriona Ruane.
Mrs Regina Mackin Assistant Director Administration (Equality) gave the opening address giving a short history on how International Women’s Day came into being almost a century ago and what has been achieved in that time. She also said while women have made vast progress in the workplace, sticky floors and glass ceilings still remain within some organisations. Mrs Mackin stressed that it is only by continuing to challenge the expected role of women and remaining determined and resolute that women can break through the ceilings and reach their full potential.
The morning looked at issues surrounding the caring responsibilities of women, their lifestyles, health and image. Newry and Mourne Careers gave advice and information on where employees with caring responsibilities could get assistance and support, while Northern Ireland Child Minding Association’s Michele Kelly advised the women about the type of child care within the district that was available to them. Newry and Mourne Council’s Assistant Director Administration (Personnel) Catherine Sweeney informed the women about the Council’s Family Friendly Policies and flexible working arrangements.
The topic of Healthy Living was covered by Veronica Mc Cann who spoke about inactivity, obesity, stress, excesses in behaviour and the secret of longevity. Alternative therapies was discussed by Margaret Mc Ardle while Arlene Millar gave the women advice on how colour can play a part in their overall image.
The entire proceedings were chaired by Marie Mc Stay (BBC Radio Ulster).
Healthy debate ensued on all of the issues with the speakers being challenged on their presentations.
The Clerk and Chief Executive of Newry and Mourne District Council Mr Thomas Mc Call said:-
“The Council welcomed the event which provided a very interactive mechanism to discuss issues pertaining to our female members of staff and acknowledged the important role played by them”.
The morning ended with a healthy lunch before the women returned to work, having enjoyed a very interested and informative morning.
