Women urged to level the playing field

HIGHLY COMMENDED Olwen Dawe, President Network Ireland and Louise Glennon, NWCI presents Ailise Loftus, Westport Medical Clinic, with the Highly Commended Award in the Employee Category. Pic: Michael McLaughlin

Network Ireland national conference in Westport

Ciara Galvin

‘HARNESSING Opportunity in Changing Times’ was the theme of this year’s Network Ireland National Conference at Knockranny House Hotel Westport.
Close to 200 women from business and the arts gathered on Friday for the 2015 conference and awards.
Master of Ceremonies for the conference held on Friday, was lecturer and TV presenter Aoibhinn Ní ShúilleabhΡin who described the network as an organisation which shows how to progress your career and colleagues’ careers.
“The network has supported the advancement of women for the last 30 years,” said Aoibhinn.
Addressing the room, Westport resident and president of Network Ireland, Olwen Dawe said she hoped the conference would move those in attendance to action.
“Whether that action may be starting a new business, pursuing an idea or taking whatever step it is that’s most important to you. Undoubtedly you will feel galvanised by CEOs, founders, director and experts you’re going to hear from.”
Among the many speakers were MEP Mairead McGuinness, CEO of Vodafone, Anne O’Leary and Terry Prone, leading advisor on reputation management and crisis handling.
The overriding message from the morning talks and panel discussions was to ‘dispense with guilt and regret’.
“Say no more often than yes and look after yourself mentally and physically...Anyone who has a niggling idea I’d encourage you to find an idea and do it,” said Mairead McGuinness.
“I’ve had enough of women stopping their potential for guilt,” said straight talking Terry Prone.

Equality and becoming a mother
In her keynote address, CEO of Vodafone Ireland, Anne O’Leary said women needed to do something to level the playing field in relation to equality in the workforce.
“Most male managers have never had the feeling of being in a minority. Supportive men have played an important role in helping to get me where I am...We need quotas in boardrooms and workplaces, there’s nothing like quotas to get things moving,” said Ms O’Leary.
Another major issue that was discussed at the morning talks was the issue of childcare.
In a panel discussion, Mairead McGuinness outlined that she had kept her pregnancy with twins 21 years ago quiet as she feared it would jeopardise her employment at the time.
Ms McGuinness said it was not only essential to lobby on the issue of childcare for the benefit of men and women, but most importantly, for children.
“A lot of women are postponing pregnancy,” she added.
Speaking on the the issue of women working and becoming mothers, CEO of Vodafone Ireland, Ms O’Leary said her company needs to ensure it is as flexible as possible around the time women employees have children.
“I need leaders to be able to talk to women and ask them what help and support they need,” said the CEO.
In order to help more women return to work after becoming mothers, Ms O’Leary suggested more affordable childcare options possibly through state sponsored crèches or tax reliefs on childcare costs.
Chair of the Communications Clinic, Terry Prone gave a frank talk on how to be a successful networker.
“Learning to shut up and listen is the single most important communication skill,” said Ms Prone.
She added that ‘Resilience is key’ and that humour is also essential.
“The seriousness of the situation should not dictate your ability to be funny.”
She added that if a woman encounters patronising/sexist remarks in the workplace, they should reply with a level of humour that ensures these remarks don’t happen again.
The conference continued with an afternoon of masterclasses, a further keynote address and a panel discussion. The awards took place at Knockranny House Hotel where the best in the Employment Category, New Business Category and Established Business Category were awarded.