A new €1.8m fund has been established to support charitable and social enterprise organisations that improve the economic mobility of women.
Organisations that provide training, education and other services to disadvantaged women, will benefit from the Women of Ireland Fund.
The new fund is operated by the Social Innovation Fund Ireland, in partnership with Bank of America and the Department of Rural and Community Development.
According to figures from the CSO, the gender participation gap in the Irish labour market is one of the widest in Europe.
The female labour force participation rate is 14% lower than their male counterparts, despite women making up more than half of third level graduates in Ireland.
In addition to grant funding, successful organisations will receive a place on an accelerator programme, which includes training from experts across the private, non-profit and public sector.
Employees from Bank of America will also provide mentoring and tailored training to the successful organisations.
The programme is specifically designed to equip charities and social enterprises with the skills to expand their business knowledge, drive growth and strengthen their impact across Ireland.
