SHEroes Ireland 2025: Supporting & Empowering Women & Diversity in Politics

“Our communities are diverse, but this diversity has not been reflected in our political and civic leadership.” (Helen Ogbu, SHEroes founder)

SHEroes was born out of that gap — not only as a project, but as a movement. With the support of Galway City Council and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, our first symposium in 2024 brought together inspiring voices from across politics, advocacy, and community life. It confirmed what we already knew: the appetite for inclusion and representation is strong, and the potential for change is real. SHEroes Ireland seeks to address the under-representation of women, young people, and people from migrant and diverse backgrounds in local government.

In 2025, SHEroes Ireland continues this mission with its second symposium — 'Sustaining Momentum: Supporting and Empowering Women and Diverse Communities in Local Government (2024–2029)' — celebrating recent progress while deepening efforts to engage young people, expand political participation, and champion diversity in leadership.

The symposium will feature a diverse set of speakers, each shedding light on their experiences, contributions, and perspectives on the importance of political empowerment and engagement. 

SPEAKERS & CONTRIBUTORS

The contributing speakers include: Dr Niloufar Omidi, (The Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Policy Officer at the University of Limerick (UL) and the Minister’s appointee to the Advisory Committee on Racism and Racial Equality under the Department of Justice), Megan Flynn Dixon (Communication and Development Manager at See Her Elected), Dr Malie Coyne (Chartered Clinical Psychologist, University of Galway Lecturer, Author, and Parent), Kathleen O’Meara (Public Affairs Consultant, Former Senator and Mentor), Cllr. Uruemu Adejinmi (Mayor of Longford), Sinead McMahon (Political Support Worker National Traveller Women's Forum), among many more! 

WHO SHOULD ATTEND
The SHEroes 2025 Symposium is designed for anyone interested in promoting diversity, inclusion, and political engagement in local government. We warmly welcome:

• Aspiring and current elected representatives
• Young people interested in politics and civic engagement
• Community leaders and advocates
• Members of underrepresented groups seeking to participate in political processes
• Organisations and volunteers supporting women, youth, and diverse communities

Attend the SHEroes symposium to raise your awareness on political participation and become part of the inspiring SHEroes community!

Free to attend, but places are limited. Please register to secure your spot: