Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology is holding a programme of public events and activities this week to mark International Women’s Day 2019 tomorrow (Friday ). Events are taking place in all the institute’s campuses in Galway and Mayo.
Today (Thursday ), Dr Easkey Britton will deliver a public lecture entitled “We are ocean: cross-cultural connections between people and the sea.” Dr Britton is an Irish surfer from Co Donegal who holds a doctorate in environment and society from the University of Ulster. In 2010, she won her fifth consecutive Irish National Surfing Championship title at her namesake wave in neighbouring Co Sligo, and in 2009 she became the British Pro-Tour Champion.
Tomorrow (Friday ), GMIT’s Jacinta Dalton, Galway International Hotel School, and food writer Sally McKenna will host a gathering of some of Ireland’s leading producers, chefs, restaurateurs, writers, bloggers, journalists, marketeers, and beverage experts from 9.30am to 2.45pm in venues throughout the International Hotel School. MC for the event is John McKenna. Events include topical discussion panels, interactive cooking masterclasses, whiskey, beer and wine masterclasses and a “Fed Talks” producer-inspired lunch. Contributors include: Birgitta Curtin, Siobhan ni Gharbhaith, Olivia Duff, Yoshimi Hayakawa, Ali Dunworth, Lisa Regan, Gina Murphy, Seaneen O’Sullivan, Dervla Conlon, Helen Calvey, Martina Calvey, Jess Murphy, Caroline Hennessy, Cliodhna Prendergast, Maria Flynn, Aoibheann McNamara, Paula Stakelum, Audrey McDonald, Susan Boyle, Judith Boyle, Brid Torrades, and Kim Young.
All GMIT campuses are marking International Women’s Day by dedicating a space for the sharing of stories by students and staff called Story Walls – Inspirational Women. In this space, they share stories of women who have inspired them in their lives. Stories and profiles of GMIT academics and graduates in science, technology, engineering, and maths disciplines will also be shared on GMIT’s website. A social media campaign will also highlight and promote the events and activities throughout the three-day programme, inviting staff, students, and visitors to participate and support the campaign.
Dr Michael Hannon, deputising president of GMIT, said: “The history of International Women’s Day is interesting as the first National Women’s Day dates back to 1909 in the United States. GMIT supports the principles underpinning IWD, in particular the principle of equality between women and men. The UN theme for this IWD is ‘Think Equal, Build Smart, Innovate for Change’. I encourage all staff to follow this theme, not just on March 8, but every day.”
Cáit Noone, VP for international engagement and co-ordinator of GMIT International Women’s Day events, says: “I would like to thank all colleagues and students across campuses for engaging with this global event. Through a series of seminars, exhibitions, talks, and virtual engagement the institute aims to demonstrate an ongoing commitment to addressing this year’s theme, #BalanceforBetter, and events taking place this week are only a small example of the work taking place in GMIT. IWD2019 is not a one day event but a reminder of the work taking place all year to address gender imbalance and resolutely challenge bias.”
For further information on GMIT International Women’s Day events, see www.gmit.ie
