An Update from WorkEqual
This past year has been a time of change at WorkEqual. Historically, WorkEqual delivered its targeted and impactful services to women in Dublin and its surrounds who are looking to (re)enter the workforce. Su Duff, CEO of WorkEqual, decided in 2024 that it was time to spread the registered charity’s reach and take WorkEqual’s services to other key cities in Ireland.
In October 2024 WorkEqual partnered with Intreo Cork and Primark to hold its first event in Cork City for 50 women who needed support to secure employment. The women participated in a 1:1 career chat with an HR specialist, a confidence building workshop, and a full styling makeover with a local volunteer stylist. The event was an incredible success and demand for WorkEqual’s services increased significantly. WorkEqual returned to Cork City in February 2025 and May 2025 and supported 70 and 100 women respectively with personalised career advice, confidence-building and styling. Plans are now in process to permanently embed WorkEqual’s services in Cork with quarterly visits; 12 November 2025 will be our next event for 100 women at Cork’s Metropole Hotel.
May 2025 saw WorkEqual bring its services to Kilkenny. State Street Foundation was the host for the event. Fifty women from Kilkenny and Carlow attended State Street’s beautiful new offices and were provided with immersive career guidance from State Street volunteers. Every woman left the event feeling that new doors had opened for them and that, no matter what, WorkEqual would be there to help them on their individual journey into employment.
As WorkEqual heads into Autumn 2025, its plate is full. On 24 September WorkEqual embraced Galway into its fold with an event at the Galmont Hotel & Spa for 50 women looking to (re)enter employment. As in Cork, these women received a 1:1 personalised career chat, confidence building workshop, and styling. Intreo Galway, Primark, State Street Foundation, and Community Foundation have all partnered with WorkEqual to ensure Galway becomes another key city to benefit from WorkEqual’s services.
An added element to WorkEqual’s 12 November event in Cork will be a workability programme that will run on 11 November also at the Metropole Hotel. WorkEqual’s ERA (Equal Remote Access) programme serves individuals who identify as having a barrier to employment such as a physical disability, intellectual disability, mental health issues, neurodiversity, or any other perceived barrier. This event will introduce participants to employment opportunities and hone networking skills.
What lies ahead in 2026? More cities, more empowered women in employment, and an ever-growing network of volunteers who make it possible for WorkEqual to share its serves across Ireland. Over the past year our volunteer group has more than doubled in size and is spread across the country. WorkEqual is beyond grateful to every volunteer, career coach and volunteer stylist who gives of their time to provide support to women who have so much to offer the Irish economy but just need a helping hand.