‘Ireland and indeed Kerry have produced some remarkable women’ – BridMcElligott

SINCE 1918 Irish women have come a long way when they succeeded in getting the right to vote, albeit one had to be 30-years of age and own a property or a hold a university degree. Strong and influential women permeate all aspects of our society and on March 8 it is important that we celebrate and embrace the significant advances that women have made in their personal and professional lives.

This progress has taken time and it’s also important on International Women’s Day to remember and recognise the women who helped charter the pathway for our more recent advances. In Ireland – many names across the political, social, sporting and economic spectrum spring to mind: Countess Markievicz, Maude Gonne, Mary Robinson, Katie Taylor, Margaret Heffernan and Sr Stanislaus Kennedy to name but a few.

In some cases the progress we have made as women is much closer to home. In my case, my mother was a really strong influence, a homemaker who with my father owned and ran their own business, but most importantly a woman who knew the value and importance of education and a strong work ethic as a means of advancement and encouraged all of her children to maximise their full potential. Most importantly, her positivity knew no boundaries and her encouragement in terms of challenging oneself to try new and different things was invigorating.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day we should think of the many millions of women throughout the world who have not experienced the advancements and progress we in more progressive societies have and continue to experience. Inequalities and lack of opportunity are still major barriers for many women throughout the world and all our citizens, men and women can play a role in bridging this gender gap.

Let us also remember the words of Mary Robinson on her election who said she was ‘elected by the women of Ireland who instead of rocking the cradle, rocked the system.’ Ireland and indeed Kerry have produced some remarkable women, who by their intelligence and determination have changed our society for the better. March 8 is about celebrating these women – the women of the past, present and future.

Brid Mc Elligott is the Vice President for Research, Development and External Engagement at the IT Tralee. Brid is a Director of the Kerry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre and was the first female Chairperson of a GAA club in Kerry, a position which she held for 11 years. She is a founding member of the IT Tralee Foundation Board, a member of the Board of Kerry Innovation Centre and Kerry ETB. Brid also works extensively with organisations in the private, voluntary and community sectors. Brid served as an elected representative in Tralee Town Council from 1999 to 2004.