On Tuesday 3 March, the CHAS International Women’s Day event was held in the Charles Institute Seminar Room and Kevin Barry Gallery at UCD Belfield. Organised by the UCD School of Medicine EDI Committee, the event focused on the theme ‘Exploring What Helps Women Thrive’. It was hosted by Emeritus Professor of Psychology, Barbara Dooley, with three fantastic speakers:
- Keynote Speaker Mary Hayes - Too Into You Coordinator, Women’s Aid
- Professor Matthew Sadlier - Consultant Psychiatrist
- Aghogho Okpara - Educational Equity Founder @achievewithaghogho & UCD Medicine Student
Mary Hayes discussed coercive behaviour in relationships, unhealthy versus healthy relationships and the important support systems available.
Professor Matthew Sadlier talked about the dangers of social media from a healthcare perspective, the damaging potential of influencers and, the alarming statistics and insights regarding grooming and pornography.
Aghogho Okpara brought terrific positivity to the day discussing the importance of self-belief and how to find it, practice it and embed it as the new norm.
The speaker presentations were followed by a brief Q&A panel session and lunch in the Kevin Barry Gallery.
A big thank you to our host and speakers. Thanks to all the students and staff across the College of Health and Agricultural Sciences who attended.
Importantly, if the topics raised any issues or concerns for those who attended and/or are reading this, the university has a full range of student and employee support services. Please visit the UCD EDI webpages for more information.
