March 8th of this month marked International Women's Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. This year's theme, "Embrace Equity," highlighted why equal opportunities aren't enough. “People start from different places, so true inclusion and belonging require equitable action”.

As coworking space operators, we believe coworking spaces can play a vital role in empowering women entrepreneurs and professionals. By providing a supportive and inclusive environment, access to resources and opportunities, and the flexibility to balance work and personal life, coworking spaces are helping to create a more equal and just world for women. 

So, let's celebrate the women who are choosing to challenge gender bias and inequality and are creating a better future for all. Recently, we reached out to some of the women of RoW, and asked them some quick-fire questions relating to International Women’s Day. 

Isabelle Le Pivain

Full-stack Engineer, SOSV

Q: Why do you think it's important to celebrate International Women's Day?

A: It can be an opportunity to raise people's awareness about gender equality, share information and thoughts, and talk about inspirational figures. Hopefully, in the future, we will not need such a day anymore, when equality becomes the norm. :)

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Q: Your proudest achievement?

A: Gathering and keeping together a small group of young women here in Cork, to meet up for programming sessions!

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Q: What is the last book you read?

A: Minaret, by Leila Aboulela

Yvonne Andrews

Office Manager, Republic of Work

Q: If you could share a message with your younger self, what would you say?

A: Don't put pressure on yourself to fit in with a crowd, just be your fabulous self!

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Q: What inspires you?

A: My daughter inspires me to be the best version of myself.

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Q: What is the best advice you have ever received?

A: Treat people how you would like to be treated yourself.

Niamh (Brady) Moynihan

Founder, Better Workday

Q: What woman inspires you the most?

A: I can never choose one woman in particular. Last month one of my friends, who is a single parent, started a new job in an office after working in retail for nearly 20 years. It's scary to make big changes like that but her drive and determination meant she did it anyway. Inspiration is often closer than you think.

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Q: What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?

A: You can only ever connect the dots looking back. Begin where you can and keep your eyes and ears open for the next stepping stone.
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Q: What did you dream of doing when you were little?

A: I dreamt of being on stage as a singer or dancer, which is funny because now I am regularly on the "stage" delivering workshops and talks. Life has a way of working itself out.

Eileen Choi

Production Unit Manager, Angry Creative

Q: What woman inspires you the most?

A: Brene Brown, she knows what she's talking about!

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Q: What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?

A: Be brave! Ask for more money, go for the job you're afraid to apply for because you think you're under-qualified - advocate for yourself and never stop learning. Beg for forgiveness rather than ask for permission. Collect cliche sayings like this along the way to pass on to future career women.

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Q: What did you dream of doing when you were little?

A: A teacher, in retrospect I think I just wanted to boss people around.

Elle D’acci

Visual Designer

Q: What inspires you?

A: The beauty of nature

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Q: What is the best advice you have ever received?

A: Nothing is absolute, everything is relative.

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Q: What do you wish you had learned sooner?

A: To walk my own path, and be ok with it.