University College Cork has developed a new campaign for International Women’s Day where women put forward other women to highlight their achievements.
The Celebrating Inspiring Women of UCC campaign will feature portraits of women accompanied by quotes on why they admire the women they have selected for the spotlight.
In keeping with the #BalanceforBetter theme for International Women’s Day, which encourages people around the world to take action towards accelerating gender balance, UCC's campaign celebrates women's achievements.
Developed by UCC’s Media Office, the campaign features portraits of 11 women taken by Cork-based photographer Clare Keogh with accompanying explanation on why they admire the women they have chosen.
The campaign will be rolled out on the UCC Instagram account this Friday.
Lynne Nolan, Media & PR Officer of UCC said:
Celebrating women's achievements is one way to help forge a more gender-balanced world. The campaign recognises the significance of women building each other up and bringing powerful stories of incredible role models across the University to light.
“Empowered women jump at the opportunity to celebrate other women’s achievements and are excited to see them move forward.”
Among the nominated women are neuroscientists Dr Sarah Nicolas and Dr Stefanie Grabrucker who are researching how new neurons grow in the brain, how they are influenced by lifestyle and age, and how they might be targeted to improve memory.
Dr Yvonne Nolan, Senior Lecturer in UCC’s Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, who nominated them, said she has been “inspired by these two ambitious and generous women who have embraced their projects wholeheartedly, and who offer support and guidance to junior members of my research team."
Dr Samantha Dockray, Lecturer in the School of Applied Psychology, recalls how Dr Sharon Lambert re-joined academia after many years working in services with vulnerable populations, including young Cork teens with substance use difficulties.
“She is inspiring to me, and our students and other researchers for being an agent of transformation by introducing the idea of trauma-informed service design.
Deirdre Madden, Assistive Technology Outreach Coordinator in the Disability Support Service at UCC, is described by Dr Máire Leane, Senior Lecturer in Social Policy and Chair of the Autism Friendly University Project as “one of the most skilful, impactful and inspiring educators I know.”
She has expert knowledge of assistive technologies, which she deploys with powerful enthusiasm and good humour, creating new learning opportunities for second level students with disabilities.
On selecting Maria Kirrane, Sustainability Officer for UCC, Dr Mary C Murphy, Lecturer, Department of Government and Politics, UCC said:
"It might not seem obvious that there would be a connection between a political scientist and UCC’s Sustainability Officer, but the beauty of working in a place like University College Cork is that there is a space for these kinds of rich relationships to develop.
“Environmental sustainability is the defining public policy issue or our time. I’m lucky to know and work with a woman who is actively, passionately and effectively making a difference.”
The uplifting campaign will showcase the many talents of the women selected, just a small handful of the amazing women across the globe who will be celebrated on International Women'sm Day tomorrow.
Keep an eye out for UCC's campaign over on their Instagram page from tomorrow.