The first of its kind, the cross-border gathering of women graduates was funded by the Shared Island Fund and designed to celebrate “100 Years of Empowering Women: Fostering Cross-Border Engagement Across the island of Ireland.”

Over 100 Members of the University Women of Europe (UWE) and Irish Federation of University Women (IrFUW) were hosted on campus by Queen’s University Women Graduates. 

Welcoming the graduates, Queen’s University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Ian Greer said: “We are proud of the impact the women of Queen’s continue to make at home and across the globe, the inspiration they provide to other generations and the legacy they have created.

“Queen’s has evolved from men-only enrolment 180 years ago to leading the way in gender equality, becoming the first university on the island of Ireland and only the second in the UK to achieve the prestigious Athena Swan Gold award for our work in improving gender equality.

“In the year where we celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the Queen’s Women Graduates Association, it is significant that we welcome women graduates from across the world. The Associations offer not just the opportunity to network, share best practice and provide support, but also deliver mentoring and scholarships to the women graduates of the future.”

Professor Mary Robinson, the first woman President of Ireland and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, spoke at the event and said: “Universities play a major role in ensuring women achieve their potential. Queen’s has been a key driver in supporting women across science, the arts, business, law, medicine and many other areas of expertise, and has enabled them to make their mark on our world and inspire other women.

“Women graduates are all about empowering women, harnessing their skills and talents and challenging roles in society. I’m delighted to be at Queen’s to engage with the international women graduate associations who have made such a significant impact on education across the world.”

President of the Queen’s Women Graduates Association, Louise McMahon, said: “We are so proud to welcome women graduates from around the world to the place where we, the Queen’s Women Graduates, honed our skills, opened our minds and made links that have lasted decades. 

“It’s important to us that we continue to support to young women in education as the Queen's Women Graduate members feel strongly that it's an opportunity, almost an obligation, to give back.”

Media

For further information contact ciara.oneill@qub.ac.uk