The mighty TENI (Transgender Equality Network Ireland) were in fine company as they became one of six well deserved recipients of the Mná na hÉireann Women of Ireland award for their efforts to empower trans women in the workplace.

TENI shared that trans women face significant barriers in entering employment, let alone having the opportunity to reach their full potential, so their aim to change the situation couldn’t be more necessary or welcome.

The Mná na hÉireann awards are presented to projects which:

• Focus on women who are experiencing disadvantage (socio-economic, educational disadvantage, disability, members of minority group and other).
• Focus on developing economic mobility for women in Ireland experiencing disadvantage through:
  • Increasing access to job opportunities.
  • Increasing female labour force participation.
  • Assisting women to progress their current positions.
  • Workforce development – building employment-related skills that lead to employment (includes soft skills).
  • Projects that have evidence of sustained impact.

Thrilled and grateful that TENI is one of the six recipients of a #MnánahÉireann Women of Ireland award. Let's get trans women into work and achieving their potential! pic.twitter.com/Yha2mHHyK2

— TENI (@TENI_Tweets) October 3, 2019

The other deserved recipients were:

• An Cosán Virtual Community College (VCC) – who aim to pioneer social change through online community education.
• Dress For Success Dublin – who promote the economic independence of women by providing workwear, a network of support and career development tools.
• Equal Ireland – who provide accredited education and training programmes in local settings.
• Irish Refugee Council – which advocates for people seeking asylum and refugees for their rights.
• Westmeath Community Development – which empowers people and communities to overcome disadvantage and enhance the quality of their lives.

Excited to be at the #MnánahÉireann Women of Ireland Awards! pic.twitter.com/6d99zBbMK9

— TENI (@TENI_Tweets) October 3, 2019

Amongst other things, the six groups will be awarded:

• Cash grants for three years.
• A bespoke business supports package designed to equip not for profit organisations to expand their business acumen, drive growth and deepen their impact.
• A place on Social Innovation Fund Ireland’s Accelerator programme which provides training from best-in-class experts across the private, not for profit and public sectors.
• Access to Social Innovation Fund Ireland’s networks.

A hearty congratulations to TENI and all the other winners.