O'Donnell urges women in leadership positions to support disadvantaged women at home and abroad.

Speaking at a meeting with Network members, the organisation for women in Business, the Professions and the Arts on the occasion of "International Women's Day" Minister Liz O'Donnell T.D. said:

"While acknowledging and celebrating the advances made by many Irish women in business, politics and society generally, there are still thousands of Irish women and millions worldwide who struggle to provide basic needs for their families."

The exclusion and sadness of these women must not go unchallenged or unnoticed by successful women. Traveller women, refugee women, women with disabilities, lone parents, minority ethnic women and women in poverty deserve and need the active support of women in positions of leadership and power.

"We know that women, when mobilised and motivated can achieve wonders. Now that there is a critical mass of women in positions of authority and leadership right across Irish society it is vital that they become "politicised" to the extent of influencing change and promoting solidarity with disadvantaged women in Ireland and in developing countries."

"A society that is feminised by the influence and presence of women in leadership positions is a more compassionate and caring society. But it does not happen by chance."Top