Women return from farmland in Manono Territory, DRC

Women of Concern

At Concern, we know that gender inequality is one of the major barriers to ending extreme poverty - but we also understand that women are often the most effective dynamos of change within their families and communities. We place women and girls at the heart of our programmes - because equality for women is progress for all.

Since 2018, the Women of Concern Annual Awards Luncheon has gathered in Dublin to highlight the drive towards gender equality and pay tribute to those who embody justice, generosity and compassion in their work and daily lives.

This year's gala, sponsored by professional services firm EY Ireland was held on Friday, 28 October, at The Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin, marking our first live event in three years.

This year's honouree

Each year, Women of Concern recognises an individual from the private or public sector for their exceptional achievements and extraordinary leadership - and this year is no different.

In 2022, we were delighted to honour Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ireland’s current ambassador to the United States, and recent ambassador to the United Nations.

During her career, Ambassador Byrne Nason has served in Brussels, New York, Paris, Vienna and Helsinki. As Second Secretary-General in the Department of the Taoiseach from 2011-2014, she was the highest ranking female public servant in Ireland. She is committed to advocating for gender equality, particularly the participation of women and girls in political decision-making and peacebuilding.

Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason receiving the Women of Concern Award.

Ireland’s current ambassador to the United States, and recent ambassador to the United Nations, Geraldine Byrne Nason has been named recipient of this year’s Women of Concern honouree. Pictured with her at today’s awards luncheon in Dublin were Concern CEO Dominic MacSorley (left) and master of ceremonies for the event, Concern’s programme director in Haiti, Victoria Jean-Louis (right) . Photo: Leon Farrell, Photocall Ireland.

“Ambassador Byrne Nason has been nothing short of a global trailblazer in promoting the rights of women. Through her role as Chair of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, she has campaigned tirelessly for gender equality,” said Dominic MacSorley, CEO of Concern Worldwide.

“During Ireland’s time on the UN Security Council, I witnessed how the Ambassador ensured that the rights and security of women and girls were consistently prioritised in every discussion. At a time of considerable global upheaval, this leadership was of incredible significance. It is a great pleasure to have her as this year’s Women of Concern honouree,” he added.