International Women's Day | Longford's Anne Heraty tells women to ‘dream big’ and ‘never give up’ #IWD2022 #BreakTheBias

The Ballinalee native became the first female chief executive of an Irish publicly quoted company when she co-founded CPL Resources in 1989.

More than two decades later, the Longford businesswoman is looking forward to celebrating International Women's Day after selling her stake in a company she helped turn into a global phenomenon.

“I will mark International Women’s Day by attending an event organised by Business and Finance and WorkEqual. WorkEqual are running a campaign to support women to secure opportunities, networks and the chance of economic independence and greater equality,” she said.

Her take on the significance of the event is one she believes offers real substance in the ongoing need to ensure the rights of women are upheld.

And her view of the occasion's overarching theme is equally emphatic.

“To me International Women’s Day is a reminder to both men and women to continue to work for equality for all both inside and outside the workplace,” she said.

“While there has been real progress over the last number of years much more needs to be done to close the gender gap.

“BreakTheBias signifies a more inclusive world free of stereotypes and where people show real respect to each other. Gender bias can be deeply ingrained and we are not always aware of it.

“In Cpl we provide unconscious bias training to ensure our hiring processes are fair and unbiased and our workplace is one that is inclusive where people are supported to excel.”

She said the World Economic Forum's assumption that gender parity may not be attained for a century was a timeline women “cannot accept” as she gave some words of wisdom to those intent on pursuing a career in business.

“Don’t be afraid to dream big and surround yourself with smart people who have good character,” she said.

“Play to your strengths and never give up.”

How will you mark International Women’s Day on Tuesday, March 8?

I will mark International Women’s Day by attending an event organised by Business and Finance and WorkEqual. WorkEqual are running a campaign to support women to secure opportunities, networks and the chance of economic independence and greater equality. 

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

To me International Women’s Day is a reminder to both men and women to continue to work for equality for all both inside and outside the workplace. While there has been real progress over the last number of years much more needs to be done to close the gender gap.

#BreakTheBias is the theme for International Women’s Day - applying the theme to your own life and career, what might it mean to you and what is your view or interpretation on the theme?

BreakTheBias signifies a more inclusive world free of stereotypes and where people show real respect to each other. Gender bias can be deeply ingrained and we are not always aware of it. In Cpl we provide unconscious bias training to ensure our hiring processes are fair and unbiased and our workplace is one that is inclusive where people are supported to excel.

According to the World Economic Forum, gender parity will not be attained for almost a century. Do you agree? Could it be attained sooner? Have you ever suffered at the hands of or know of a family member or friend that has suffered due gender bias? 

That is what the statistics say. This is a timeline we just cannot accept, and I believe it can be achieved sooner. In countries where women e.g have the opportunity in education they are out-performing. However, in some countries the pay gap is particularly deep. 

Most women of my generation will have experience gender bias at some stage of their careers e.g when I was in secondary school their where some girls schools did not teach honours maths and if you wanted to do honours maths you had to go to the boys school to do so.

As a leading figurehead in the world of business, what advice would you give to up and coming female entrepreneurs?

Don’t be afraid to dream big and surround yourself with smart people who have good character. Play to your strengths and never give up.

Check out our other IWD interviews with inspirational Longford women at the link below:

International Women's Day | Celebrating some of Longford's amazing women #IWD2022 #BreakTheBias