I am delighted to be an International Gender Champion and join an impressive network of advocates for gender equality. Ireland has been built through the strength of women and we have experienced on our own island what can be achieved through the full and meaningful empowerment and participation of women in all aspects of life. Therefore, sharing, promoting and learning from the lived experience of women must remain our primary objective. Gender equality must be more than an academic exercise – we must encourage tangible action that leads to real and lasting change. In this instance, the destination is more important than the journey.