Women encouraged to build confidence in business
Local women who are interested in business are invited to attend a special networking event during Derry and Strabane Enterprise Week to mark International Women’s Day.
The event allows attendees to learn more about Lean In Derry, a circle for women who aim to positively influence and contribute to each other’s professional growth and personal development through exchanging ideas, sharing knowledge and generally supporting each other to navigate challenges.
The Lean In Derry community was formed in October 2018 to create a community in which local women can build confidence, network, learn and enjoy the company of like-minded people in a relaxed environment.
The event will take place at the Holywell Diverse City Partnership Building on Thursday March 7th at 6pm.
Their now annual celebration of Derry Girls will hear inspiring stories from some of the unsung heroes who do crucial work in their industry and include an open floor discussion on how the group can help each other fulfil their potential.
“We held the inaugural Derry Girls event last year to mark International Women’s Day and it was a huge success with over 200 attendees,” explained Event organiser Clare McGee.
“It’s very informal, we want to bring people together in an environment where they feel comfortable and celebrate the great work that Derry Girls do day and daily in all levels and across all sectors in the Derry and Strabane area.
“You don’t have to commit to anything on the night, it’s just an opportunity to come along and see what it’s about, listen to the contributors and, meet new people and have a bit of craic.
While the local group is in its infancy, the wider Lean In network is now an international movement.
“There are Lean In networks across the world and there is already an established one in Belfast,” Clare continued.
“We started off in October with eleven members locally and that has already increased to around 25 in less than 4 months.
“In the future we want the direction of the group to be membership led, bringing together people from different spheres where they can share their skills, experience and knowledge and help grow its members’ confidence.”
Attendance at the event is free but pre-registration is essential through the Annual Celebration of #DerryGirls for International Women’s Day 2019 on Event Brite.
Other scheduled Enterprise Week events for International Women’s Day are the Be Your Own Boss event on Monday March 4th and a Women in Enterprise Workshop on Tuesday March 5th.
The Be Your Own Boss conference at the Omniplex Cinema on Derry’s Strand Road from 9.00 am – 1.45pm will feature a number of Master Classes for Entrepreneurs to enhance their skillset and inspirational speeches from commercial experts.
Master Classes include an ‘Introduction to Smartphone Video Production’ and ‘Lose your Fear of Public Speaking’ while Niamh Barry from the Irish Fairy Door Company will share some of the secrets of her success.
Tuesday’s Women in Enterprise Workshop will be held at Hawkin Street Fire Station and will feature presentations from a number of industry specialists including Shopify Expert Laura Gallagher, Evelyn Casey, Pet Lamb Design and Patricia Greene, Nolka.
Derry-Strabane Enterprise Week 2019 runs from March 4th – 8th with a week long programme of events to guide you through all stages of your business journey.
The programme aims to offer mentoring and networking opportunities as well as highlighting the services and support available to local SME’s and start-ups through a number of events including Digital Masterclasses, Pitch Training sessions and the judging process for the £10k Start Up Business Challenge.
The full schedule can be viewed at www.derrystrabane.com/enterpriseweek
