What it Takes to Celebrate Women’s Power, Progress, and Paychecks This March

March is Women's History Month, a time to honour the achievements and contributions of women throughout history. While International Women's Day on March 8th is a significant milestone, the entire month offers an opportunity to reflect, celebrate, and look forward. For UCD alumni, it’s also a chance to recognise the strides women have made in leadership, business, and beyond while continuing to push for progress. Here’s to the women UCD is so proud of! 

In our online career events, (opens in a new window)What it Takes to Know Your Rights and (opens in a new window)What it Takes to Kick Imposter Syndrome, UCD alumni experts shared their insights on women in the workplace:

Women Work Smarter, Not Harder: The Rise of Hybrid Work

As women advance through their careers, the rise of flexible work gives them more time to pursue their ambitions, balance personal and professional goals, and redefine success on their own terms. Today's young professionals are pioneering flexible work arrangements, blending productivity with personal passions. Whether delivering a stellar presentation in the morning, hitting a midday yoga class, or working remotely from a cosy café, the emphasis is on outcomes over hours. Employers are catching on, realising that flexibility isn't just a perk—it's a pathway to retaining top talent.

Closing the Gap: Advocating for Pay Equity

Let's talk numbers. While strides have been made, the gender pay gap remains a topic of discussion. However, the narrative is shifting. Younger professionals are entering workplaces that champion pay transparency, making it harder for disparities to persist. Trailblazing organisations have set precedents by achieving equitable pay structures, proving that with intentional focus, meaningful change is within reach. This generation isn't settling for less—they're negotiating, advocating, and ensuring their worth is recognised.

Navigating Careers Without Borders

Why limit yourself to one city when the world is your oyster? With technology erasing geographical boundaries, young professionals are taking Zoom calls from Bali, collaborating across time zones, and immersing themselves in diverse cultures. This global mindset not only enriches personal experiences but also brings fresh perspectives to industries worldwide. 

Leading with Empathy and Innovation

Gone are the days of rigid leadership models. Today's young leaders are infusing empathy, collaboration, and authenticity into their roles. They're launching startups with social impact missions, advocating for inclusive policies, and mentoring the next generation. It's not just about climbing the corporate ladder; it's about reshaping it to be more inclusive and adaptable.

To Our Dynamic Alumni: Keep Shining Bright

Whether you're navigating your first job offer, embarking on entrepreneurial ventures, or balancing multiple passions, remember: that you're part of a legacy of trailblazers. Your energy, creativity, and resilience are shaping the future. So, here's to you—the innovators, the change-makers, the dreamers. Keep pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and, most importantly, being unapologetically you. 

Happy Women's History Month!

The above insights were adapted from our webinars '(opens in a new window)What it Takes to Know Your Rights', featuring fellow UCD alumni (opens in a new window)Siobhra Rush and Richard Grogan, and '(opens in a new window)What it Takes to Kick Imposter Syndrome, ' featuring alumna (opens in a new window)Ciara Conlon as they offer their expert advice. Written by UCD Alumni Ambassador (opens in a new window)Soumya Arora