Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason receives Women of Concern Award

The award, first presented by humanitarian organisation Concern Worldwide in 2018, recognises the achievements of exceptional leaders in their efforts to amplify women’s voices, dedication to public service and their demonstration of the key values of justice, generosity and compassion.

“Ambassador Byrne Nason has been nothing short of a global trailblazer in promoting the rights of women. Through her role as Chair of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, she has campaigned tirelessly for gender equality,” said Dominic MacSorley, CEO of Concern Worldwide.

“During Ireland’s time on the UN Security Council, I witnessed how the Ambassador ensured that the rights and security of women and girls were consistently prioritised in every discussion. At a time of considerable global upheaval, this leadership was of incredible significance. It is a great pleasure to have her as this year’s Women of Concern honouree,” he added.

Ambassador Byrne Nason took up her current role as Irish ambassador to the US in August, after five years as ambassador to the United Nations. After leading Ireland’s successful campaign for a seat on the UN Security Council, she represented Ireland on the Council, working towards international peace and security.

A native of County Louth, Ambassador Byrne Nason has served in Brussels, New York, Paris, Vienna and Helsinki.

The award was presented today (October 28) at the Women of Concern luncheon in the Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin, which saw women from Ireland’s leading companies, organisations and businesses gather to support Concern’s work overseas. The in-person event was suspended in 2020 and went online for 2021. It’s sponsored this year by professional services firm, EY Ireland.

Master of Ceremonies for the event was Victoria Jean-Louis, programme director for Concern in Haiti.

“Concern works tirelessly in Haiti to reinforce the resilience of women through professional training, life-skills, and support for other income generating activities such as craftsmanship and soap-making. We work with all groups of women and are particularly making a difference in the life of vulnerable young women in the urban centres of Haiti.”

Professor Monica McWilliams, peace activist and human rights defender, Sinéad McSweeney, Managing Director of Twitter Ireland, and Cathriona Hallahan, former Managing Director of Microsoft Ireland have been previous recipients of the Women of Concern award in Ireland.

Concern has held the Women of Concern Awards in the US for the past 20 years. Previous honourees include actress Toni Collette, former US Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright and world-renowned architect Aine Brazil.

Concern works in 25 countries across the world, including Ukraine, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Afghanistan. In 2021, the humanitarian organisation reached 39 million people in some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable countries to alleviate poverty and hunger.

For further information please contact Eilis Staunton, Media Relations officer with Concern Worldwide on 085 872 0720 or eilis.staunton@concern.net