Sonya Lennon has launched the Dress for Success International Women’s Day campaign.
Over 40 workplaces nationwide are holding fundraising events to support the campaign.
Workplaces across Ireland will hold coffee mornings, book sales, fashion makeovers, panel discussions and clothing collections over the coming weeks to support the annual Dress for Success International Women’s Day campaign.
Sonya — a designer, tech entrepreneur and founder of Dress for Success Dublin – and eir, the headline sponsor of the campaign launched the campaign with a colourful photoshoot.
eir will hold a lunchtime panel discussion for staff on 8th March, exploring issues affecting women in the workplace, and will collaborate with Dress for Success on a live recording of the Irish Times Women’s Podcast. Other companies supporting the 2018 campaign include:
Permanent TSB, which is holding a panel discussion on 8th March, featuring Sonya Lennon, journalist Sorcha Pollak and Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee;
AIB, which is having a full day of activities at its Ballsbridge headquarters on 8th March, including information stalls and workshops for staff;
BDO, which is hosting a fashion and makeover event for staff on International Women’s Day;
Codec, which is running an event at the RDS on the morning of 8th March, with a range of high-profile speakers;
Irish Distillers, which is having a lunchtime session for staff that will be addressed by the CEO of Dress for Success, Angela Smith;
PREM Group, which is organising a fashion show fundraiser for later in March; and
BNY Mellon, which is organising a coffee morning, clothing collection and book sale in support of Dress for Success.
Commenting today, Sonya Lennon, founder of Dress for Success, said: “We have over 40 workplaces supporting our campaign this year, ranging from community groups and SMEs to state agencies and multinationals.”
“…workplaces increasingly recognise the value and importance of equality and diversity.”
“Dress for Success is a charity and our mission is to provide women with the clothing, interview skills and career development supports they need to access employment and establish sustainable careers. The International Women’s Day campaign is our largest annual fundraising and clothing appeal, and we’re delighted with the response we’ve received this year.”
Also speaking today, Michelle Toner, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility with eir, said: “Recently, it seems the possibility of reaching gender equality across all sectors is moving further out of reach; the pace of positive change is proving to be too slow. It is up to each of us who are in a position to do so to help other women progress in their careers.”
“We are proud to work with Dress for Success again in 2018. This organisation provides significant and practical supports to women who are aiming to start their careers or re-enter the workforce.”
If you are interested in supporting the Dress for Success International Women’s Day campaign, by either donating clothes or hosting an event you can find out more here.
