What happens when migrant women are given real opportunities to participate, lead, and succeed in the workforce? According to speakers at this year’s International Women’s Day celebration, the answer is simple: everyone benefits.
On 11 March 2026, professionals, advocates, policymakers, and migrant women gathered at the Dublin headquarters of LinkedIn for an event hosted by AkiDwA.
The event, themed “Give to Gain: Investing in Migrant Women’s Employment for Shared Prosperity,” explored how inclusive workplaces can unlock not only individual potential but broader social and economic progress.
The gathering carried additional significance as it marked 25 years of advocacy by AkiDwA, an organisation that has been at the forefront of advancing justice, equality, and belonging for migrant women in Ireland.
The morning session opened with welcoming remarks from Astou N’Diaye, Social Impact Manager for EMEA and LATAM at LinkedIn, who emphasised the importance of creating spaces where diverse voices are heard and valued.
This was followed by an opening address from Dr Salome Mbugua, CEO of AkiDwA, who reflected on the organisation’s journey and its continued mission to empower migrant women economically and socially.
Video below is a compelling keynote address delivered by Jeanne McDonagh, CEO of the Open Doors Initiative.
Her message challenged organisations to move beyond symbolic gestures of support and commit to structural inclusion creating real pathways for migrant women to access employment and leadership opportunities.
When these barriers are removed, she noted, the benefits extend beyond individuals to organisations, communities, and the wider economy.
One of the most powerful segments of the event was the “Give to Gain in Action” conversation featuring Dr Kaka Njoku who shared her lived experiences navigating the Irish labour market. Her reflections highlighted both the systemic barriers migrant women often encounter and the transformative impact of opportunity, mentorship, and belief.
A panel discussion facilitated byProfessor Joyce O’Connor of Block W brought together voices from across sectors, including representatives from Publicjobs, the National Women’s Council, MSD Ireland, and LinkedIn Ireland.
The panel explored practical strategies employers can adopt to create more inclusive recruitment practices and leadership pathways.
In the afternoon, participants moved from discussion to action through a roundtable workshop that examined what meaningful investment in migrant women’s employment looks like in practice, from everyday acts of support to broader structural change.
For me, the event served as a powerful reminder that inclusion requires more than good intentions; it requires deliberate action. As Ireland continues to grow as a diverse and multicultural society, investing in migrant women is not only a matter of equity, it is a pathway to shared prosperity.
