3 Ways to 'Invest in Women' for #IWD24

As we celebrate International Women's Day 2024 with the theme "Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress," it is important that we explore tangible ways to support and empower women. One way we can address the issues facing women is through education, which can empower and educate individuals as well as driving change at a community, industry or society level.

Here are three ways organisations can invest in women through education:

INVEST IN MENTAL HEALTH

Mental health is a critical issue faced by women around the world, affecting their wellbeing. Research by Mental Health Ireland has found that on average, women have a lower wellbeing score than men. When organisations invest in programmes such as mindfulness, wellbeing and trauma-informed care, we can not only equip women with the tools to navigate challenges and build resilience but we can also create informed communities locally and in our workplaces that can foster wellbeing and care practices and drive change for women in the future.

Some courses to consider:

• 1 year, Level 6, Certificate in Mental Health in the Community (delivered with Mental Health Ireland)
• Microcredential Building Workplace Resilience in Self and Others (Cert in CPD) (funding will be available for this course which opens soon)
• Mindfulness Based Practice and Research, Postgraduate Certificate

ADVOCACY & INCLUSION

International Women's Day asks us to empower women and one way we can do that is to amplify their voices and advocate for their rights. Organisations should create opportunities for their teams to engage in equality, diversity, and inclusion education. Investing in courses in the areas of disability studies, neurodiversity and equality can educate your teams, promote inclusive practices in the workplace, identify opportunities for change and empower team members to become advocates for themselves and other women. Some courses that can help you foster a more inclusive team where all individuals are respected include:

• Microcredential | 10 week course | Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Awareness
• Diploma | Disability Studies
• Diploma | Women's Studies
• Microcredential | Cert in CPD | 12 week course | Advocacy
• Diploma | Autism Studies

LEADERSHIP & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

It is vital that women have a seat at the table in order to bring about positive change for women in the workplace. More diversity in management roles means new and different perspectives, ideas, and experiences. In 2023, the CSO Gender Balance in Business Survey reported that just one in four members or 25% of Boards of Directors in Ireland were female and that Seven in ten Senior Executives in Ireland in 2023 were male. In order to support more management roles for women, organisations can consider investing in leadership development programmes to equip women with the skills, confidence and strategic thinking needed to assume a leadership role. Some of those part-time programmes that may support this development in your organisation include:

• Personal and Management Coaching (PG Cert, PG Dip, MSc)
• Management Practice (Dipoma)
• Project Management (Certificate in CPD Microcredential)

Where to start?

At Adult Continuing Education (UCC), we offer a wide range of part-time programmes for adult learners from levels 6-9. These courses are delivered mostly on evenings with weekend workshops to support healthy work-life balance and many of these are delivered online. We also deliver Springboard+ and HCI funded courses, microcredentials and bespoke industry programmes.

To see all our courses click HERE.