To mark this year’s International Women’s Day (March 8th), the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) celebrates the voices, experiences, and achievements of women across our organisation.
We invited staff from different roles and backgrounds to share their insights on gender equality, career journeys, and the challenges and opportunities for women today. Their perspectives highlight the progress we’ve made and the work still to be done in fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace for everyone.
We recognise the contributions of women in our lives and reflect on how we can continue to drive positive change together. Let’s hear what they had to say:
Margaret Morrissey, Senior Community Water Officer
What is your role with LAWPRO and what is your favourite part of it?
As a Senior Community Water Officer with LAWPRO, I really enjoy watching community and catchment groups grow and thrive with our support and guidance.
Who is a woman that has inspired you in your personal or professional life, and why?
There are a few! Ellen Hutchins (Botanist and artist) – I’m always in awe of how much she achieved in a short life. Eileen Gray (architect and designer) – she quietly carved out a brilliant career in a male dominated sphere in the early 1900s. Mary Robinson – her bravery continues to inspire.
What progress have you seen in gender equality during your career, and what more needs to be done?
Career opportunities for women have increased greatly since I left school in 1990 but so too has pressure to have brilliant career, amazing family and to be fit and fabulous! I think it’s important that women support women in whatever career or family choices they make.
What advice would you give to young women starting their careers today?
Do what you love. Gather good people around you.
What is one small action everyone can take to create a more inclusive and supportive workplace for women?
This goes for everyone really, we all need to accommodate and support each other more, we are all part of a team.
Lynn Ellingworth, IS Project Lead
What is your role with LAWPRO and what is your favourite part of it?
I’m LAWPRO’s IS Project Lead and I enjoy the variety of work and the core principle of being able to assist people with IT matters, whether large or small.
Who is a woman that has inspired you in your personal or professional life, and why?
Personally, my female role models are my mum and step-mum. They are strong, kind, and successful women. Both have managed to balance work commitments – PAYE and self-employment – with raising families. They are good friends to their friends and care deeply for their family.
Professionally, I admire a former colleague with whom I first worked in 2007. I saw her rise from a Project Manager to Assistant Vice President in that company over a 14-year period. I very much admired her professionalism and approach to people, as well as her expertise and career progression.
What progress have you seen in gender equality during your career, and what more needs to be done?
There are more women in leadership and decision-making roles overall. However, I believe we still need to attract more women to STEM subjects and careers. Unfortunately, there is a concerningly low number of young women choosing STEM subjects at secondary and tertiary education levels. This limited influx of new talent restricts our ability to develop, mentor, and promote women within the workplace. Industry and educational bodies must do more to reach out to young women and girls, encouraging them to sign up for STEM courses and highlighting the benefits of working in STEM industries. They can be well-paid, stable jobs with diverse career opportunities and a good work-life balance.
What advice would you give to young women starting their careers today?
Choosing a career in an area that genuinely interests you will help you overcome the challenging times in the early stages of education or an apprenticeship. Understand that both you and your career plans will evolve over time. Embrace change, even if it involves retraining and/or upskilling, to make the most of new opportunities and achieve long-term success.
What is one small action everyone can take to create a more inclusive and supportive workplace for women?
Encourage women to step outside their comfort zone and create practical pathways that support skill development for career progression and/or diversification.
Ruth Gaj McKeever, Community Water Officer
What is your role with LAWPRO and what is your favourite part of it?
My role is Community Water Officer in the Midlands and East region. I enjoy many aspects of the role but one of my favourite parts of it is getting out to meet a community group in person and see and hear about all their plans to raise awareness on water related issues and protect and restore water in their community. It’s extremely positive and encouraging. The teas and chats that happen during these meetings are so uplifting and give a boost to my working day! Assisting these groups and finally seeing these plans come to light gives you hope for our water.
Who is a woman that has inspired you in your personal or professional life, and why?
My granny, Margaret Gaj, has been inspirational in both my personal and professional life. She had such confidence, strength and determination especially when it came to an important cause, and in her case there were many, such as Reform (against corporal punishment in schools), anti-drug campaigns, the Prisoners’ Rights Organisation and the Irish Women’s Liberation Movement. She set an amazing example of how to give back to the world and has shaped my determination when it comes to protecting our environment.
What progress have you seen in gender equality during your career, and what more needs to be done?
I have seen an increase in women being employed in the environmental sector, however, more women need to be given the same opportunity to take on senior roles within the industry.
What advice would you give to young women starting their careers today?
Don’t be afraid to speak up and value yourself and what you have to contribute to the workplace and take every opportunity to learn and improve your skills.
What is one small action everyone can take to create a more inclusive and supportive workplace for women?
Consider that women may need to take sick days due to menstruating. When organising events for the workplace make sure women are well represented in terms of speakers.
Mags Buckley, Mags Ceasar, Altona Dunphy, Aileen Forristal, Irene Cunnigham & Alma Quinn – LAWPRO’s Administration Team
What is your role with LAWPRO and what is your favourite part of it?
We provide administrative support for LAWPRO staff. We are responsible for 93 staff and our team is growing fast. We enjoy interacting with different communities and work colleagues around the country and learning about water quality and biodiversity.
Who is a woman that has inspired you in your personal or professional life, and why?
We are inspired by Sinead Carr from Tipperary County Council. She has set a great example by working her way through the ranks within the council to become the first female Chief Executive of Tipperary County Council.
What progress have you seen in gender equality during your career, and what more needs to be done?
The gender gap has changed in the last ten years. More women are progressing through the ranks, which gives them opportunities for promotion to high level positions.
What advice would you give to young women starting their careers today?
Stay true to who you are. Growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone.
What is one small action everyone can take to create a more inclusive and supportive workplace for women?
Give credit where credit is due and allow people the chance to speak up.