Eight professional women’s networks to join in 2019
Often, female-led networking and business groups can be an effective way to meet valuable, like-minded contacts and gain ideas.
While no gender group should be isolated, statistically, it is no secret that there is a lack of female representation at C-suite level. For some, professional women’s networks provide a space for gender issues and equality to be discussed and acknowledged.
Here are eight professional women’s networks operating here in Ireland and Northern Ireland that you might considering joining this year.
Women in Business NI (WIBNI)
Women in Business is the largest and fastest growing business network for female entrepreneurs and business leaders in Northern Ireland. Current Glandore Members, and based in our flexible office spaces at Arthur House, their aim is to equip women with the skills they need to start, and grow, their own business or develop their careers, rising into senior manager and leadership positions. By positively impacting all its members, WIBNI aspires to create a new economy; whereby all females in Northern Ireland significantly contribute to the economic success of its society.
Women Mean Business (WMB)
WMB was established by Managing Editor Rosemary Delaney in 2006. Borne of Rosemary’s passion, vision and drive, WMB continues to offer a dedicated space in which to highlight Irish and International businesswomen and female entrepreneurs. Apart from corporate publishing expertise, the WMB team are passionate about all things women-related. Their annual Conference and Awards celebrates and promotes female entrepreneurs and businesswomen, connecting women and recognising their contribution to the Irish economy and society as a whole.
Women’s Inspire Network
Women’s Inspire Network say that they “understand the challenges and isolation of being a female entrepreneur in the business community because we are female entrepreneurs ourselves”. Samantha Kelly runs the Women’s Inspire Network which started out on Twitter as a hashtag #Womensinspire and moved to a very popular Facebook group. Today, Woman’s Inspire Network has grown to become an international business community of hard working women and is growing still. This network is to celebrate all female entrepreneurs or women who work from home. The network assists female entrepreneurs in taking business to the next level or if anyone is thinking about taking the courageous leap into self-employment.
Professional Women’s Network (PWN Dublin)
PWN Global is a global movement of people working towards gender balanced leadership through professional development and international, cross-industry, online and in-person networking. PWN Dublin is a member of PWN Global and offers its members a one-stop platform to connect with like-minded professionals from across the world; to develop your skills and competencies, and to share your experience and knowledge. PWN is a career development network for high potential women, where members engage in peer to peer learning via other members and dedicated seminars. Their common objective is to provide women with the tools, networks and support they need to support their career progression aspirations.
WXN Ireland – PhaseNyne
WXN exists for the advancement and recognition of professional women and understand that equity and inclusion make industry stronger and society better. Women’s Executive Network (WXN), a member-based organization, exists for the advancement, development and recognition of professional women and was founded in Canada. In Ireland, they operate under the name PhaseNyne and are current Glandore Dublin members. They deliver training, events, mentoring, networking, and award and recognition programs for our valued members and partners. WXN – PhaseNyne believe equity, inclusion and the advancement of professional women make industry stronger and society better. Their passion is 100% centered on empowering women and creating positive social change.
Network Ireland
Established in 1983, Network Ireland is a progressive, dynamic organisation supporting the professional and personal development of women. Their membership is made up of a very diverse group of women, from budding entrepreneurs, SME owners, professionals and leaders in indigenous and multinational organisations to non profits, charities, arts and the public sector. With a strong voice and an interest in promoting diversity and equality, entrepreneurship and leadership development; joining Network Ireland allows members to collaborate with like-minded people and organisations. Network Ireland is a non-profit, voluntary organisation, with 1,000 members and thirteen very dynamic branches and offers support, mentoring and confidence building for women, in particular those starting in business or returning to the workplace. Members can develop and pool their individual skills through interaction and collaboration with other women in a supportive environment which offers training, mentoring and an opportunity to tap into the skills and specialist expertise of other members.
Lean In
Inspired by Sheryl Sandberg’s wave-making best-seller, Lean In, Lean In groups help women come together to learn from each other and achieve their goals, inspiring women to be a powerful force for change in the world. A Lean In Circle is a small group of (usually) 8–12 women and men who meet regularly to support one another and learn new skills. It’s a place where women can be unapologetically ambitious and in Lean In Circles have truly been seen to be making a difference in the world. 85% of members credit their Circle with a positive change in their life, and almost two-thirds of women in Circles have taken on a new challenge. There are now more than 41,000 Lean In Circles in over 170 countries, and new Circles are starting every day. Circles bring together women from all walks of life. In these small groups, women get and give peer mentorship, sharpen their skills, and have a place to be unapologetically ambitious. Lean In Circles have been formed in numerous cities across Ireland, most actively, in Belfast, Dublin and Cork.
Girls in Tech, Dublin
Girls in Tech is a global non-profit organisation. Initially launched in San Francisco by Founder and CEO, Adriana Gascoigne, as a forum for women in Silicon Valley. It has since grown to 60 chapters worldwide with over 55,000+ members. Their mission is to empower, educate, and engage women in STEM & entrepreneurship. We deliver our mission through proprietary programs.
In Dublin, Girls in Tech launched in March 2017 under the leadership of Coral Movasseli. Should you be looking to get involved, they are continually growing their team. Find out more about joining their Board of Directors here.