Women inspire at meeting

Women inspire at meeting

14 March 2012

ALMOST 200 women celebrated Inter-national Women’s Day at Down Council’s inaugural Inspir-ational Women conference.

During the morning symposium in the newly refurbished Down Arts Centre, women from all ages and spheres of life listened to the experiences of five inspirational women.

Down Council’s Marie Ward, South Eastern Group Chief Building Control Officer, spoke with candour and honesty when she conveyed to the audience her personal journey to become the first female to be appointed to this role at just 35.

Down councillor, Maria McCarthy, followed with a moving presentation about her life in politics and giving recognition to the women who have inspired her on her journey, especially her mother.

Nuala Green, is a nurse and TA medic’s who worked for three months at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan. The audience was fascinated by Nuala’s visual presentation on how she delivered a medical service with such basic facilities.

Joanne McConway, Head of Arts for the Department of Cultural, Arts and Leisure encouraged the young members of the audience to consider the creative sectors as a career path, emphasising the importance of creativity and innovation as key drivers in the future economic prosperity of Northern Ireland.

Cathy Martin, of Cathy Martin Public Relations, delivered the keynote address claiming that success does not happen by accident, but rather by grasping every opportunity which presents itself.