Accenture International Women’s Day returns,Tuesday 6th March

Quick interview with Dr. Michelle Cullen, Managing Director and Head of Inclusion and Diversity at Accenture Ireland

Where and where is it on? 

Tuesday 6th March at the Convention Centre Dublin, from 7.30am – 10.45 am.

How many years has it been going? 

I’m delighted to say that this is Accenture Ireland’s 14th consecutive year to host an International Women’s Day celebration.

What was the inspiration to start it? 

International Women’s Day is just one day, but we’re committed to fostering inclusion and diversity 365 days a year. Our event was born out of our strong commitment to workplace equality, as well as a desire to have conversations about provoking change.

What exciting things can people look forward to? 

This year’s event is centred on the theme ‘Getting to Equal’, and will focus on reaching gender parity in the workplace, giving a platform to diverse voices and building a society where everyone can thrive. There will be a number of panel discussions featuring leading figures in business, academia, human rights and media.

The event will also showcase Accenture’s Women on Walls campaign with myself in discussion with Professor Cathal Kelly, CEO/Registrar, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and Andrew Hetherington, Chief Executive, Business to Arts.

The ‘Future Focus’ panel gives a voice to potential future female leaders, and this year will hear from Zara Ilyas and Ruby Scott Kenny, European Digital Girls of the Year, as well as 10-year-old Flossie Donnelly, an Eco-Warrior with a passion for marine conservation.

What opportunities are on offer for those attending? 

I hope that those who attend feel inspired by our wonderful diverse line up of speakers, who represent a wide range of industries. There will be opportunities to hear their stories and insights, to network, and to celebrate extraordinary women and their achievements. Given this year’s theme, we’ll also be discussing how we can work together to provoke change in our quest to reach true gender equality. The tone has changed. The time for talk is over, it’s time for action.

Who will be speaking?  

The event will be hosted by Alastair Blair, Country Managing Director, Accenture Ireland, and myself. It is my 3^rd year to host the event and I feel privileged to do so. Other speakers on the day will include: Francesca McDonagh, Group Chief Executive Officer, Bank of Ireland Group, Máire Geoghegan Quinn, Former EU Commissioner for Innovation & Cabinet Minister, Dearbhail McDonald, Group Business Editor, INM, Mark Redmond, CEO, American Chamber of Commerce, Tara McCarthy, Chief Executive, Bord Bia and Emily Logan, Chief Commissioner, Irish Human Rights & Equality Commission.

What tips would you give to people attending to get the most out of it? 

Come early for refreshments and networking before the event kicks off. You can also browse the International Women’s Day Showcase from 7.30am.

How can people book tickets / when does it usually sell out? 

We have limited complimentary tickets remaining. To register, you can email accenture.events@accenture.com, quoting ‘Irish Tech News’ in the subject line.

Anything else you’d like to add / we should have asked? 

The past year has seen an even greater focus and attention on women’s equality yet the pace of progress remains slow. On the 6^th March we will hear the findings of new Accenture research which we hope will jolt new thinking and provoke change as we work together to create a common ground and reach gender equality.

If you would like to have your company featured in the Irish Tech News Business Showcase, get in contact with us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie or on Twitter: @SimonCocking