Melissa Doyle and Joanne Sweeney

Melissa Doyle, Annette Fox and Norah Ryan

By Suzanne Pender

IT WAS the perfect day for Carlow to celebrate women’s achievements, to raise awareness of women’s equality and to call for positive change in advancing women.

On International Women’s Day, Local Enterprise Office Carlow hosted an inspiring Powerhouse event in the Seven Oaks Hotel, Carlow.

Joanne Sweeney was MC at the event, who also shared her inspiring story as the founder of Digital Training Institute, a published author and a passionate podcaster.

A former broadcast journalist, Joanne went back behind the mic over two years ago to launch her weekly podcast JSB Talks Digital. Taking to the panel, Annette Fox, CEO of Carlow County Development Partnership, Norah Ryan, managing director of Barrow Consultancy and Training Carlow, and Melissa Doyle, business adviser in Carlow Local Enterprise Office shone a light on the importance of digital in business.

“It is great to see a great number here today representing businesses in Carlow on this special day, International Women’s Day,” said cllr Michael Doran, leas-cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council.

“I would like to congratulate you all for being here and also for being in business and supporting each other.

“Today is a wonderful celebration for women in business and International Women’s Day is a great opportunity for female entrepreneurs to recognise women for their achievements in business and celebrates women’s contributions to society, raises awareness about the fight for gender parity and inspires support for organisations that help women globally.”

Melissa Doyle remarked: “International Women’s Day is one of the most important days of the year to celebrate women’s achievements, educate and raise awareness of women’s equality and call for positive change in advancing women.”

For more information on Powerhouse Women in Business Network, log onto www.localenterprise.ie/Carlow or email Melissa Doyle at [email protected]