Former President Mary McAleese to speak at women’s leadership event in Mayo this weekend
Former President of Ireland Mary McAleese will travel to Mayo this Friday as Castlebar hosts the Soroptimists Friendship President Weekend.
The event is a two-day celebration of women's leadership and achievement. It will reflect on the progress of women in public life and the power of connection, resilience, and leadership.
The theme of this year's programme is "Remarkable Women: Extraordinary Impact – Stories of Strength & Success".
Alongside Dr McAleese, the speaker line-up includes Professor Rose Anne Kenny, broadcaster and advocate Miriam O'Callaghan, and Mayo-born radio presenter and producer Louise Duffy.
Throughout her life and during her presidency, Dr McAleese has been a strong voice for women’s rights.
She has spoken openly about the sexism and misogyny she encountered in public life, most famously during an encounter with Pope John Paul II.
On greeting her and her husband Martin, the Pope made what he later admitted was a regrettable attempt at a joke. He said to Mr McAleese: “Would you not prefer to be the president of Ireland rather than married to the President?”
Dr McAleese privately challenged the sexist remark, replying: “I'm Mary McAleese the President of Ireland, elected by the people of Ireland whether you like it or whether you don't.”
The exchange captured her determination to assert women’s place in leadership, even when confronted with long-standing traditions of male authority.
Her attendance as a keynote speaker this weekend is particularly fitting for an event reflecting on women’s progress in public life.
Dr McAleese, a proud Roman Catholic, has consistently highlighted the role of women in the Catholic Church and has called for reform of its governance, challenging its exclusion of women from ordination.
She also voted to repeal the Eighth Amendment in 2017, and has consistently championed the dismantling of embedded structures, laws, and attitudes that hold back women’s progress.
Speaking at the recent Castlebar Municipal District meeting, Ms O'Sullivan said the weekend was: "more than a gathering, but a showcase of the diverse, engaged, intergenerational network of women from all walks of life who come together to support, challenge and uplift each other."
Now serving as the 59th president, Ms O’Sullivan emphasized the Soroptimists’ rich history in Ireland, beginning with the founding of the first club in Belfast in 1932, followed by the establishment of the Dublin club in 1938.
The organisation is "rooted in service, advocacy and above all, friendship," she said, and it has grown into a powerful force for empowerment, change and community, both locally and globally.
Soroptimist International now spans over 120 countries with more than 72,000 members worldwide. It also holds consultative status at the UN Economic and Social Council, underscoring the organisation's global reach and influence.
In Mayo, the Castlebar Soroptimists have worked closely with organisations such as the Mayo Rape Crisis Centre, the Women's Refuge Centre and the Samaritans to support women escaping violence.
They also promote health and wellbeing in the local community through supporting the Mayo Roscommon Hospice, Daisy Lodge, Western Alzheimer's, and Rock Rose House.
Internationally, the group has contributed to the life-saving work of Médecins Sans Frontières in Gaza.
Locally, members work with various groups, including the National Women's Council, Castlebar Men's Shed, Tidy Towns, Mayo ICA and every second-level school in West Mayo.
The Castlebar branch also works with the local council to promote the annual Orange the World campaign, which highlights the urgent need to combat violence against women and girls worldwide.
Each year, Áras an Chontae raises the orange flag while the building and the Loch Lannagh bridge are lit up orange as a symbol of solidarity and hope.
"While opportunity for women has never been greater, we are still navigating an equality gap, in pay, care, leadership and public life," said Ms O'Sullivan, highlighting the need for groups like Soroptimists International in today's world.
Looking ahead to the weekend, Ms O'Sullivan said the Soroptimists' mission remains clear: "To empower, educate and advocate for women and girls, locally, nationally, and globally,
"The west is not only awake, but is thriving and leading."
This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.