The INGENIUM University Alliance celebrates Women’s Entrepreneurship Day

Celebrated annually on November 19, Women’s Entrepreneurship Day (WED) is a global movement dedicated to empowering, supporting, and celebrating women entrepreneurs. Founded in 2014, WED seeks to address the gender gap in entrepreneurship and foster opportunities for women to succeed in business. Recognized in over 144 countries, it brings together leaders from various sectors, including government, business, and academia, to promote policies and programs that uplift women.

WED highlights the barriers women face in entrepreneurship, such as unequal access to funding, mentorship, and education. These challenges are often compounded by societal biases and systemic inequalities. By focusing on actionable solutions, the movement aims to create a more equitable entrepreneurial landscape.

One of the key objectives of WED is to inspire the next generation of women entrepreneurs. Through workshops, networking events, and global campaigns, WED promotes the idea that women can and should be at the forefront of innovation and economic growth. Celebrating role models is another vital aspect, showcasing the achievements of trailblazing women who have overcome obstacles to achieve success.

MTU- leaders of WP8 Entrepreneurial INGENIUM were thrilled to host a webinar in celebration of WED. The event was moderated by Josette O’Mullane – MTU’s Innovation and Enterprise Manger who engaged a panel of three inspiring role models. They shared their valuable experiences in the entrepreneurial world, while offering insights and motivation to all attendees. The panel members included:

Denise Sidhu Partner and Director of Kernel Capital and Kernel Strategic and is Chairperson of the Irish Venture Capital Association.

 Tilla Segerstedt The founder of Aurora Arts, a game studio based in Skövde, Sweden. With a background that includes working with Netflix, Google, and MGM.

Amel Sami The founder of GlishArabic based in Cork, Ireland. GlishArabic is the leading app in Arabic learning solutions for children globally.

They highlighted the significant disparities between male and female representation in leadership positions across various sectors, including venture capital and the gaming industry. While the representation of women in these industries is on the rise, there is still progress to be made. They also emphasized the importance of self-belief and confidence. Both are essential qualities for overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities. They encouraged attendees to cultivate a mindset of resilience, enabling them to take greater risks and actively pursue their dreams and aspirations.

The synergy between the INGENIUM University Alliance and Women’s Entrepreneurship Day lies in the shared commitment to inclusion, empowerment, and innovation. By fostering educational opportunities and addressing gender disparities, INGENIUM provides a solid foundation for cultivating women leaders in academia and entrepreneurship.

Both the INGENIUM University Alliance and Women’s Entrepreneurship Day represent powerful forces for change. By prioritizing collaboration, education, and equity, we pave the way for a more inclusive and innovative future. For universities, businesses, and policymakers, the message is clear: investing in women’s education and entrepreneurship is not just a moral imperative but a strategic advantage.

As INGENIUM continues to expand its reach and impact, aligning with global initiatives like WED can ensure that the alliance remains at the forefront of fostering a new generation of empowered leaders and entrepreneurs.