Gender equality is an economic necessity according to MEP and former Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh.
Ms Walsh was the guest speaker at the Network Ireland Kerry Businesswoman of the Year Awards last night.
She told those present that societies and economies are stronger when they include female leaders.
Ms Walsh said that female entrepreneurship is underfunded but studies show that women leaders score higher in things like inclusive leadership and reinvesting in their communities.
She said that having a sense of community is a key economic force and that organisations like Network Ireland show businesses are stronger when supporting each other.
She told the Kerry businesswomen attending that their voices mattered and that her podium and the opportunities that followed started in Tralee.
Award winners at last nights event included Noreen Mangan from What Women Want, Tara Pigott from Astellas, Cora Creed from Universal Music Group, Christine O Donoghue de Vries of House of Kerry, Christina Foley of Inish Living, Dr Sara Moriarty Tucker of the MTU, Josie Harty of Celtic Coastal Creations and Susan Quirke Crowley of Mounthawk Montessori.
Brid Mc Elligott was also presented with the Presidents Special Recognition award for her contribution to business, sporting and voluntary groups in Kerry.
