Ahead of this year’s International Women’s Day on March 8th, we recognise the vital role women play in the workforce and the ongoing challenges they face in returning to work after significant life changes. Within our membership alone, several companies are leading the charge in promoting inclusivity and empowerment, underscoring the importance of creating supportive workplaces for women.

One notable initiative is the Mini MBA Women Returners programme at Ulster University Business School, which launched this week. Designed to empower women re-entering the workforce after a career break, this programme is funded by the Department for the Economy. It helps participants enhance their skills, rediscover their leadership potential, and explore entrepreneurial ventures.

Anna Doherty, CEO of Derry Chamber, emphasised the importance of this conversation:

“Supporting women as they transition back into the workforce is crucial for both individuals and businesses. By addressing the challenges they face and fostering inclusive workplace environments, we can unlock further potential and drive economic growth in our region.

“We encourage all our members, as well as the wider business community, to join this conversation and take proactive steps in supporting women returning to the workplace.”

Over the course of the next week, a number of events are being held by our members to celebrate International Woman’s Day:

  • Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Go Succeed Team is hosting Empower Her: Transforming Experiences into Enterprises on March 7th at the Everglades Hotel. This event will feature female entrepreneurs sharing their journeys of resilience and success, showcasing the innovative spirit of women in business.
  • Women’s Centre Derry will host an International Women’s Day event at the Guildhall on March 7th, featuring 31 organisations that provide free support services for women. These organisations focus on supporting areas such as domestic and sexual abuse support, education, employment, health, and parenting programs. This event not only serves as a resource for women but also helps employers understand how to better support their female employees by connecting them with relevant services.
  • Londonderry Chamber, in partnership with Business in the Community (BITC), will host the Welcoming Women Back: Overcoming Return-to-Work Challenges event on March 5th from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the BEAM Social Enterprise Centre. This event aims to bring together HR professionals, line managers, and women re-entering the workforce to discuss barriers and strategies for a smoother transition. Attendees will gain insights from industry leaders and engage in meaningful discussions about creating supportive workplace environments.

As we prepare to celebrate International Women’s Day, let us commit to actively supporting women in the workforce and fostering inclusive environments that empower them to thrive. We encourage all our members and the wider community to engage in the upcoming events, share experiences, and collaborate on initiatives that promote equality and support for women returning to work. Together, we can create a more inclusive future where every woman has the opportunity to realise her potential and contribute to our collective success.