TU Dublin Celebrates Women Access Leaders on International Women’s Day
TU Dublin marked International Women’s Day 2026 by celebrating its women access student leaders with a special coffee morning in the Lower House on the University’s Grangegorman Campus. The event, held on Thursday, 05 March, brought together student leaders, Access Support staff, and senior university leadership, including TU Dublin President, Dr Deirdre Lillis, for an informal discussion on leadership, mentorship, and access to education.
The women access leaders are part of a peer-led leadership programme run by the Access Support Service in Student Support and Wellbeing. Students who have entered TU Dublin through the Access Entry routes are supported in their first year by these peer mentors. The programme provides guidance, encouragement, and practical support to students from underrepresented backgrounds, helping them transition successfully into higher education.
Speaking about the importance of supporting access students, President Dr Deirdre Lillis said:
“It was inspiring to meet our women access student leaders today. Their dedication to supporting their peers demonstrates the very best of TU Dublin’s community - leadership, care, and collaboration. These student mentors are shaping the future, and I am proud to see them thriving and supporting others in their journey.”
Claire Dunne, Access Support Manager, Access Support Service at TU Dublin, highlighted the significance of the event:
"Access Student Leaders are a huge part of TU Dublin’s Access Support Model. Our Access Leaders volunteer their time to mentor first-year students, organise social events and support our orientation programmes. By giving their time, energy and experience to others, they gain invaluable leadership, confidence and employability skills themselves.
Events like today’s coffee morning celebrate their incredible contribution while creating a space for networking and leadership development. We’re proud to support them at the very start of their leadership journey; it really is all about going beyond learning. Who knows? Today’s peer mentor could be tomorrow’s President."
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Caroline Morakinyo, a Peer Access Student Coordinator, also spoke of her experience of the Access Support Model at TU Dublin.
“Being a student leader is something I’ve always been drawn to. Even in primary school, I was part of the Green Team, probably annoying people by reminding them to put their milk cartons in the right bin. When I came to college, I didn’t realise opportunities like this existed until I attended the Access orientation. That’s where I met some great friends who are here today. Walking into my course orientation already having that support made such a difference; it created a real sense of community. I’ve always loved helping people, and that’s why the Access programme in TU Dublin means so much to me.”
Doireann Moroney, the Student Access Lead and TU Dublin Students’ Union Presidential candidate, said:
“This year has been full of growth and a busy workload, but having your support gave me the strength to keep moving forward. Speaking up and talking to people can feel nerve-wracking at times, but it’s always worth it. I’ve truly loved this year working with you all, you’re such bright individuals. Keep striving for more, and I can’t wait to see everything you achieve.”
The coffee morning offered a relaxed space for student leaders to share experiences, ask questions, and learn from senior women at the University, with discussions on leadership, career pathways, and the importance of equitable opportunities for students from underserved communities. Aligned with this year’s United Nations International Women’s Day theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” the event highlighted TU Dublin’s commitment to equality, access, and supportive learning, demonstrating how peer-led mentoring and women’s leadership help students from diverse backgrounds thrive academically and professionally.
Claire Dunne added:
“We hope this event inspires other students and staff to champion access and create opportunities for collaboration across the University. Our Access Support Team welcomes colleagues to get involved in our shared widening participation goals. Together, we can embed access into all aspects of university life.”
This event is just one of many hosted by the University community to celebrate International Women’s Day 2026.
