Women of Concern

Our Women of Concern event is a global movement supporting and building awareness of Concern's work to tackle gender inequality. 

This inspiring event highlights Concern’s work in 24 of the world’s poorest countries, explores the impact of supporting our drive towards global gender equality, and looks at how we are reducing inequalities faced by communities in extreme poverty. 

By supporting Women of Concern, your business will join a network of organisations from across Ireland enabling Concern to tackle inequalities and improve opportunities for communities in all the countries we serve, building a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

Join us this year at the Women of Concern Annual Lunch on Friday 2 October 2026, at The Round Room at The Mansion House in Dublin. This year we are delighted to welcome Áine Lawlor, RTÉ radio and television presenter, as our Master of Ceremonies.

We would like to thank EY for sponsoring the Women of Concern 2025 Annual Awards Lunch. We are so grateful for EY’s support of this important event.

Women of Concern features inspiring people from our programmes around the world who act as inspiring role models for us all. People like Birke:

Birke was chosen by her local committee to join Concern’s project in Ethiopia. She learned life-skills and how to run a business. She said: ​

“Before, I didn’t know exactly how much money I made or spent. Now, I can keep track of my profits and expenses clearly, and that has changed my life.”​

Before the project, Birke sold vegetables outside her home by laying them on a plastic sheet on the ground. Now, the project helped her get a proper shelf to show her vegetables. She now saves 750 birr (€4) every month. Her earnings are now more stable. She can pay for all her household costs and still has money left each month. She remembers that before, asking her husband for money sometimes caused arguments and made her sad. ​

“Now, I can pay for many things by myself."​

Her children still go to government schools, but now she can afford to pay for extra tutorial classes for all three of her children. Their food has also improved.​

Birke dreams of growing her business. Birke says: ​

“I stay here now, but I have big hopes. When I get more space, I will grow my work.”

“Thank you to all the staff and everyone who made this project possible.”