Network Ireland celebrate International Women’s Day

BUSINESS group Network Ireland held their flagship event to mark International Women’s Day at Tulfarris House in Blessington.

At the event, the group revealed that the cost of childcare is forcing half of women to consider quitting work.

The startling finding emerged from a new survey carried out by Network Ireland. The survey was conducted to examine the pressures on women’s lives in Ireland today.

Half of the participants reported that the cost of childcare has made them consider giving up work. 77 per cent of all respondents said they dealt with work-related emails and calls outside of working hours while 47 per cent reported feeling discriminated against in the workplace because they’re women.

President of Network Ireland, Wicklow’s Louisa Meehan said, ‘The fact that so many women consider leaving work because of the cost of having their children cared for is distressing. More must be done to support them to continue in their jobs, which 92 per cent of respondents said they like, while ensuring they have access to good childcare. Having children is not a reason to hold women back from progressing their careers - it sends out the wrong message to women and to their families.’

Germany’s Ambassador to Ireland, Her Excellency Deike Potzel and International mental health wellness consultant Rona McBrierty were in attendance while broadcaster Clodagh Walsh was MC on the day.

Louisa is the owner of Woodview HRM in Wicklow offering tailored Human Resource solutions and Workplace Mediation Services to companies in the SME sector.