Network Ireland has introduced a Virtual Branch, in a bid to provide services to women in business who cannot reach any of its seventeen regional branches. The new online platform is aimed to facilitate professional development, mentoring and supporting women across Ireland and beyond.

The Virtual Branch will include monthly events that seek to promote the advancement of women in business. Such events will be patterned after the activities of the local chapters of Network Ireland, where members can participate in both vague and physical activities across the country. Members will also access other resources such as mentoring programmes and the National Meet Up which takes place on the first Friday of every month for networking.

Linda Codoul, the National President of Network Ireland, was thrilled about the initiative saying; “As president one of the objectives has been to grow the scope of our network. The Virtual Branch enables us to reach out to women from every corner of the world and allow them to be part of our network irrespective of where they are based. We are really looking forward to reaching out to Irish women in diaspora and those who wish to come back to Ireland for employment opportunities, as well as the ones who want to remain in contact with the industry back at home.”

Amy O’Sullivan, National Vice President and incoming President, pointed out the power that comes with the Virtual Branch, stating that those who attend the monthly meetings get to interact on topics, brainstorm ideas, and promote their careers.

The virtual branch will have its first event on 11th November 2024 with a workshop on Business Storytelling by Maureen McCowen, a public speaking trainer.

An official partner of Network Ireland, AIB lauded the initiative stating that there will be more and more economic contributions from Irish women and these associations will be very helpful.