Empowering Women: Celebrating Success in Business
“Playing small doesn’t serve the world; we need more women to step up and pursue their dreams.” This powerful statement was made by Mairead Mackle MBE, who recently received the Business Woman of the Year award at the 2026 Women in Business Awards.
The gala event recognized the exceptional contributions of women in the Northern Ireland business community. For 14 years, the Women in Business Awards have celebrated female leaders, showcasing their hard work and dedication across various sectors.
Highlighting the achievements of women not only honors their efforts but also inspires future generations of leaders. Events like these create visibility for women in leadership roles, especially in a time when gender balance in senior management is still a challenge. Platforms such as the Women in Business Awards play a vital role in recognizing female leadership, which can drive economic growth.
The awards night served as a reminder of the relentless efforts of women business leaders, especially considering the slow pace of progress around them. In the FTSE 350, the number of women CEOs remains depressingly low, between 7% and 8%. It’s no wonder why many women often feel they are fighting an uphill battle.
Unfortunately, women’s successes often come with an unwelcome “but.” Comments like “She’s a great leader, but she’s too ambitious,” or “She’s lucky, but she had help” are all too common. Would we hear the same kinds of remarks about men? Likely not.
Mairead’s words echo clearly: “Playing small does not serve the world.” We need more women to pursue their dreams, take their seats at the table, and influence business strategies and cultures, especially in these challenging economic times.
This ethos aligns perfectly with the mission of Women in Business: to foster an inclusive and thriving economy in Northern Ireland. By championing today’s leaders, we can inspire the successes of tomorrow.
Roseann Kelly is the Chief Executive of the WiB Group.
