First Lady Sabina Higgins led the distinguished guests at a very special International Women’s Day Lunch which took place in the King’s Head Bistro in Galway recently, in aid of Self Help Africa.

Hosted by Mary and Paul Grealish, the event was an inspiring celebration of women and a call to action for gender equality.

Sabina Higgins was joined by Mayor of Galway City, Cllr Peter Keane and Mary Sweeney of Self Help Africa, who delivered passionate speeches that urged action to support women and girls worldwide.

And on International Women’s Day, some of the statistics provided plenty of food for thought, estimating that it would take 137 years to lift all women and girls out of poverty – and putting at 48 million, the number of women who experience food insecurity at a higher rate than men.

There are 158 million women and girls at risk of falling into extreme poverty due to the climate crisis by 2050 – and the time women and girls collectively spend collecting water each day is estimated at 250 million hours…or three times longer than men and boys.

With recent cuts to aid funding, particularly for women’s projects in Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, and Zambia, the need for support has never been greater. All proceeds from the event will directly impact women and families in some of the world’s poorest communities.

Mary Sweeney of Self Help Africa summed it up best.

“As women, the greatest gift we can give ourselves is to be ourselves, trust ourselves, and stand up for one another. Together, we can change lives,” she said.

To learn more or support Self Help Africa’s work, visit www.selfhelpafrica.org.

Pictured: Sabina Higgins addressing the International Women’s Day Lunch at The Kings Head Bistro supporting Self Help Africa’s work with women and families in 16 countries in Africa and across the Developing World. Photo: Andrew Downes, xposure.