Midwest Empowerment and Equality Conference 2019
University of Limerick Concert Hall
The University of Limerick hosted the Midwest Empowerment and Equality Conference in its Concert Hall on Wednesday, May 1st . “Designed to empower, educate and encourage men and women both young and old to take better care of themselves”, the conference addressed current social issues and was organised and presented by Dr. Mary Ryan, Consultant Endocrinologist, Bon Secours at Barrington’s Limerick and Senior Lecturer at Graduate Entry Medical School (GEMS), University of Limerick.
According to Dr Ryan, “The conference has been organised as a means of giving back to society by empowering, educating and encouraging men and women, both young and old, how to empower one’s self to take better care of themselves. We realise the importance of the education of young men and women, so one of the major highlights of the conference will be ten-minute presentations from our guest speakers on the topic of how the empowerment of women and men improves health and social outcomes in society.”
Joining Dr Ryan, the conference keynote speakers were Mairead Mc Guinness, Vice President of the European Parliament, and Professor Esmond Fitzgerald, President of the University of Limerick.
Professor Fitzgerald said, “I am delighted to be a key speaker at this conference that is set to empower both women and men. This conference is for both young and old but to make it accessible to young people, 400 free tickets were [given] to Transition Year students from schools across the Midwest region. These students are an investment into our future.”
The event gathered experts from various industries such as business, sports, entertainment, health, and academia, to discuss social issues affecting the empowerment of both women and men. The panels included Margaret Valette O’Connor, Managing Director of Quigleys, Minister Patrick O’Donovan, politician Willie O’Dea, Ann O’Dwyer, Director of Education Kerry, Winifred Ryan, Head of Communications in the HSE, Sean Hoolan of the HSE Health Business Services, Tracey Lynch, CEO of Tait House Community Enterprise, Tony O’Riordan, CEO of Midlands Simon Community, Ann Marie Gill, Chairperson of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, Paddy Flannery, Moyross Community Centre, author and lecturer Dr Joe Putti, Professor Linda Coates, Motivational Speaker Sean Dwan, Dr Julie O’Brien, hockey player Siobhan Loughran, nutritionist Olivia Beck, children’s author Fiona Dillon, fitness expert Leanne Moore, actress Aoibhin Garrihy, style queen Celia Holman Lee and PhD student Eoin White.
The discussion centred around topical points such as the progress of female empowerment and gender equality, both of which are part of Margaret’s campaign in supporting women entrepreneurs and equality in business. The panelists also covered mindfulness, communication skills and mental health.
The ticket and raffle sales proceeds went towards Novas, a voluntary organisation that works with vulnerable people and provide support for the homeless, and the Children’s Grief Centre, a voluntary organisation that supports children between the ages of 4 and 18, where parents have separated, divorced or where there has been bereavement.