NI Businesswomen Celebrated

To mark International Women's Day on 8 March, a publication has been launched which will feature a range of Northern Irish women who have started their own successful businesses.

The publication was announced by Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Michelle O’Neill.

Inspirational Women in Rural Development will showcase women from across Northern Ireland who have been supported by the NI Rural Development Programme (NIRDP) in developing enterprises, which range from an engineering heat loss prevention system, to soap making, baby foods, timber products and handcrafted pottery.

Speaking at the launch, Minister O’Neill said: "This guide demonstrates what real women with vision, determination and a 'can-do' attitude can achieve, both locally and further afield. To me these women are inspirational, they share the characteristics of positivity, pro-activity and possibility, and despite a harsh economic environment, they are keen to get on with business.

"I would encourage others to believe in themselves and make the same journey as these remarkable women, whether into business, self-employment or community development."

Teresa Canavan of Rural Network for Northern Ireland added: "As we know women are naturally resourceful, have excellent management and communication skills and often have a ‘grass roots’ knowledge of local needs. Significant numbers of women applied to the NI Rural Development Programme for funding support to establish or develop businesses and have taken the opportunity to invest in themselves."

The publication will be available on the Rural Network website from International Women’s Day, 8 March, and in hard copy format on request thereafter.

www.ruralnetworkni.org.uk

(IT)