Written by LC student R. Keegan
In celebration of International Women’s Day on Tuesday, the 8th of March, the sixth-year students of Scoil Mhuire had the pleasure of being addressed by Councillor Yemi Adenuga.
In May 2019, Ms. Adenuga made history, becoming Ireland’s first ever elected Black female public representative and Meath County Councils first migrant councillor. Ms. Adenuga ran in the local elections and was elected as a Fine Gael councillor, representing Navan Municipal District. She is the founder and CEO of Sheroes Global, a social enterprise which inspires and empowers women and youth. Ms. Adenuga and her family are also the first migrant family to feature on ‘Gogglebox Ireland,’ to name but a few of her impressive achievements.
At 10 o’ clock, on Tuesday morning we piled into the gym, all together in the hall for the first time since our last year group assembly in 2019. And what better reason to come together again, than to celebrate International Women’s Day?
Following a glowing introduction from fellow sixth year, G. Oladipo-Omoyemwense, Councillor Adenuga spoke to us. Ditching the microphone, she stood before us and instantly removed any awkwardness or shyness, by asking us to jump up, turn to the person next to us and describe ourselves in three words. The purpose of this exercise? To learn to define ourselves regardless of how others may view us.
In Councillor Adenuga’s short but powerful talk, she described the path that led her to become the successful and empowered woman she is today. She also gifted us with words of encouragement, inspiring us to follow suit and to work hard to become strong, confident women.
The event was brought to a close following a question-and-answer session with Councillor Adenuga and some refreshments, which were kindly sponsored by Drogheda Credit Union.
We thank Councillor Yemi Adenuga for taking the time to speak with us.
L-R G. Oladipo-Omoyemwense, Cllr Yemi Adenuga, Ms J Maher, Ms I Caffrey
