Inspirational Women in the Spotlight at Council International Women’s Day Event
In advance of International Women’s Day on Sunday 8 March, Mid Ulster District Council is holding an event later this month to champion the day’s message and to celebrate the achievements of inspirational local women.
The event, hosted by the Chair of the Council, Councillor Frances Burton, will take place on Wednesday, 25 February at the Valley Hotel, Fivemiletown and will support this year’s International Women’s Day and its important theme of ‘Give to Gain’.
All money raised will go to Causeway and Mid Ulster Women’s Aid as well as to the Chair’s chosen charities, Marie Curie and Hope4U.
The event features an excellent and inspirational line up of speakers, with Rebecca Edwards (JAS) Olympic-Winning Rower from Caledon and Grainne McCoy, a semi-finalist on The Apprentice 2016, owner of the beauty brand, 'Give Us Beauty' and Q Radio presenter, taking to the stage along with Carol Doey, MC for the night.
Rebecca Edwards (BEM OLY) is a retired two-time Olympian from Caledon who competed for Great Britain at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Starting at Queen's University Belfast, she rose through the ranks to represent Great Britain in the Women's Eight at Tokyo and the Women's Pair at Paris. A highly decorated athlete, she also won a European silver medal and World Cup gold. She retired from the sport in late 2024 to pursue future endeavors.
Grainne McCoy is a dynamic radio presenter, events host and content creator with a passion for connecting with audiences and spreading positivity with 20 years of expertise in the beauty industry. Grainne, with her vibrant personality and magnetic energy, has a unique talent for making everyone she meets feel fabulous. She was also one of Lord Sugar’s final five when she appeared on The Apprentice in 2016.
A representative from Causeway and Mid Ulster Women’s Aid will also speak at the event to highlight the significant challenges facing the charity with growing numbers of women coming forward for help.
Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Frances Burton is looking forward to the event and is delighted the Council is yet again showing its support for International Women’s Day. She said:
International Women’s Day provides an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of women, while also reflecting on the progress still to be made towards equality. This year’s theme, ‘Give to Gain’, reminds us that when women invest in and support one another—by sharing time, opportunity, encouragement and experience—we all benefit from stronger, more inclusive communities. I am delighted that the Council is once again showing its support for International Women’s Day by hosting this event on 25 February. It demonstrates our ongoing commitment to creating an environment where women are supported, empowered and given the opportunity to thrive and succeed.
"By recognising the contributions of women across our district, this event not only celebrates what has been achieved, but also reinforces the importance of women lifting each other up. We can all ‘give to gain’ with our time, experience, and our support of other women to help encourage them and improve and empower their situation in work, in health and in life. By empowering Women, you support and encourage the whole family which is hugely beneficial to the entire family unit."
Tickets for the highly-anticipated event are priced at £7.50 each and can be booked online at: www.midulstercouncil.org/womensevent.
The event will commence at 6.45pm with a drinks reception, with speakers taking to the stage at 7.15pm and ending the evening with a light supper. All attendees will also receive a free goodie bag.
For those who are unable to attend the event in Mid Ulster, you can still play your part by visiting the International Women's Day website at www.internationalwomensday.com where you will find details of how you can get involved.
And that’s not all! In addition to the event on Wednesday 25 February, the Chair will also host a Women’s Wellness event at the end of March. Details of this event will be released on the Council’s website and Facebook page in the coming weeks.