Since the recession started in 2007, almost 100,000 women are now directors of Irish companies, according to the latest research by business and credit risk analyst Vision-net.

The findings released on International Women’s Day, show that the total number of Irish company directors is 317,308, and out of these, 99,915 are women. Although the position of director is still male dominated, female representation has been steadily, with the number of women directors rising in the 10 years betwenn 1997 and 2007, from 43,282 to 84,370.

Almost 2/3 of female directors are in their 40s, 23% are in their 50s and just 4% are in their 20s.

Christine Cullen, Managing Director of Vision-net, said the figures show that Irish women are increasingly taking up company directorships.

‘In the recession, the number of people starting their own businesses has increased generally, demonstrating an inherent entrepreneurship in the Irish workforce and a need to self-create business opportunities as job prospects with employers decline in adverse trading conditions.

‘It is encouraging that more women are now taking up company directorships as we seek to reboot the domestic economy and create new small businesses which are the engine for national recovery,’ said Ms Cullen.

Great news for us, women!

Happy International Women’s Day!