Maynooth University today hosted an inspiring International Women’s Day (IWD) event to celebrate leadership, diversity, and gender equality in diplomacy.
The event explored women's achievements in leadership, particularly within the diplomatic service, with the aim of inspiring the next generation of leaders.
A panel of four female ambassadors explored leadership journeys, the impact of higher education on diplomacy, and strategies for fostering diversity. Ireland has made strides in gender equality in the diplomatic service, reaching a 50% male-to-female ambassador ratio.
The event aimed to inspire attendees, including students, and strengthen links between higher education institutions and the diplomatic corps, fostering collaboration for greater equality in leadership, both in Ireland and worldwide.
In his welcome address, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Innovation, Research and Science, James Lawless, TD, said: "I am delighted to be here with you today ahead of International Women’s Day this week. This event celebrates women's achievements in leadership and diplomacy and in our higher education and research and innovation sectors and challenges us to keep pushing for progress across every corner and campus in Ireland.
“The government remains committed to advancing gender equality, with real progress in recent years. Today reflects that progress, as Professor Leinonen is one of seven female University Presidents in Ireland, and an all-female panel of senior diplomats highlights our focus on international collaboration and best practices.
“Progress on gender equality is critical to our work in building a society that values everyone's potential and talent equally, and an economy that utilises Ireland's rich reservoir of talent."
President of Maynooth University, Professor Eeva Leinonen, said: "As we celebrate International Women's Day, we recognise the profound impact of female leadership, both in academia and diplomacy. The significant shift in the number of female university Presidents in Ireland marks a step toward gender equality in higher education, reflecting the progress we must continue to champion.
“Equally, we must support pathways for our students—especially young women—into diplomacy, where diverse voices and perspectives are essential in shaping a more inclusive and just world. This event brings together four distinguished Ambassadors from Belgium, Ukraine, Kenya, and Austria to provide insights into their experience. I believe that leadership, in all its forms, thrives when opportunity is open to all."
Ms Síle Maguire, Director General, Human Resources Division & Corporate Services Division in the Department of Foreign Affairs, also addressed the event. “We want to reflect the people and the country we serve. And we also want to benefit as an organisation from the diverse perspectives and experiences of our people. As a public sector organisation representing Ireland abroad we want to show leadership, and the Department has set ambitious targets for how we will work to address issues relating to gender, as well as to equality, diversity and inclusion. This International Women’s Day, I am very pleased to be able to say that half of Ireland’s diplomatic missions are headed by women.”
Attending the event were: H.E. Ms. Larysa Gerasko, Ambassador of Ukraine; H.E. Mrs Karen van Vlierberge, Ambassador of Belgium; H.E. Ms. Tabu Irina, Ambassador of Kenya and H.E. Ms Melitta Schubert, Ambassador of Austria. The panel discussion was moderated by Sheena Duffy, Head of International Communications and EDI at the Higher Education Authority.
