Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls.

At PTSB, International Women’s Day is an important moment to reaffirm our commitment to equality, inclusion, and the empowerment of women across our organisation and the communities we serve. This year’s UN theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls.” speaks directly to the responsibility each of us shares in building a world where equity is not aspirational but expected.

Ensuring the rights of women and girls means creating a workplace where dignity, respect, and opportunity are guaranteed. It means acknowledging the barriers that continue to exist and committing to dismantling them. It means recognising that progress is only possible when everyone has a fair and equal chance to thrive.

Action begins with all of us. Every supportive conversation, every fair decision, every moment of allyship helps shape a culture where women feel seen, heard, and valued. Justice and equity grow from consistent, intentional actions, challenging bias, advocating for inclusion, and ensuring that women’s perspectives shape our decisions and our future.

Our Employee Resource Group BALANCE continues to champion this work, strengthening gender balance and creating a community where development, connection, and shared learning flourish. Through its programmes and initiatives, BALANCE helps ensure that our commitment to women’s rights and gender justice is embedded in how we work every day.

One of the most impactful examples of this is the BALANCE Mentorship Programme. Established in 2022 with a focus on supporting female colleagues, nearly five hundred women across PTSB have already taken part. This year, the programme has evolved to open participation to all colleagues from Level 5 to Level 2, recognising that building a more equitable workplace means equipping every colleague with the support and tools they need to grow. With six one‑hour sessions delivered over several months and redesigned mentor training, the programme continues to offer deep development, relationship‑building, and shared understanding.

Mentees gain confidence, broaden their networks, and access insights that help shape both their professional and personal journeys, and Mentors benefit too, strengthening leadership skills and gaining a richer appreciation of the diverse experiences of colleagues across the Bank.

As part of our International Women’s Day reflections, we asked supporters of BALANCE:

“What is the most valuable piece of knowledge you’ve gained throughout your career and/or life journey?”

Their answers remind us that rights are upheld not only through policy, but through the wisdom we share, the support we extend, and the responsibility we take in lifting one another up.

Harshna Raina, HR Business Partner in the Customer and People

‘You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take’, there’s only one life to be lived and it’s not meant to be flat. Look at any ECG chart, the highs and lows are proof you’re alive and evolving, so I’d rather take the risks, fail fast, learn and try again than wonder ‘what if’.

The other most valuable lesson is that financial independence is the greatest gift you can give yourself. Learn to invest early, let compounding do the heavy lifting, and make your money work for you.

Fiona Gould, Senior Manager IT Operational Risk and Resilience

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you don’t need to have all the answers. Being open to learning, asking questions, and adapting as you go is far more powerful.

And above all else, the people around you matter. Surround yourself with supportive teammates and honest mentors – they make every challenge more manageable and every success more meaningful.

Keri Archbold, Commercial Growth and Optimisation Manager

The Circle of Concern - Influence and Control - The concept which was developed by Steven Covey. I became aware of this concept through a UCD Professional Academy course which I completed on ‘Mentoring for Professional Development’. It really helped me in my career and life in general in having the ability to assess where to focus my energy and where not too. A great google search for anyone who is interested!

I’m also a true believer in self-reflection and self-awareness. I have learnt a lot about this throughout my career and life. To become self-aware, you obviously need to self-reflect. But I believe it is essential to develop your own emotional intelligence, personal growth and really helps in allowing yourself to set personal goals, understanding your core values, build better relationships both personal and professional and grow confidence. 

Nicole Feighery QFA, APA  Senior Manager, Digital Direct Banking

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that there is no substitute for hard work. Delivering on your commitments builds trust, credibility, and strong relationship. These are qualities that have supported my progression across every role and organisation I’ve been part of.

As a leader, I also recognise that my greatest strength lies within my team. Cultivating a positive, empowered team culture is essential, and it takes focus, time, and genuine care.

Lucianne Killeen, Sponsorship Communications and Activations Specialist  

One of the biggest influences in my life has always been my mum. She raised me on her own from my later teenage years and surrounded me with strong, independent women, which has shaped so many of the values I carry into both work and life.

She’s taught me to stand up for myself and to trust my gut because you usually know what’s right long before you can explain it. Along with that, something I’ve learned throughout my career so far is simple: Just be sound! Kindness, fairness and being a good listener go such a long way and people naturally gravitate towards you once they feel that sense of approachability and trust.

Claire Finnerty, Product Manager

It’s probably the importance of being open to learning. No matter how much experience you have, there’s always something new to learn or a different perspective that can be applied. Sometimes its learning a new skill but other times even just a better way of doing things.

Working with others; sharing knowledge and best practices with colleagues helps us all grow and develop but also creates a supportive and collaborative environment. Learning is a two-way street though, and we all benefit from being generous with what we know. I’m still working on being patient and punctual and I haven’t quite mastered those skills yet though!

Beibhinn Fitzsimons, Acting Senior HR Business Partner

The most valuable piece of knowledge I have gained in my career and life is to say yes to an opportunity even if you don’t feel 100% ready. Often, opportunities arise because someone else sees your potential, skills, or experience that you may not see in yourself. By saying yes, you give yourself the chance to grow and learn something new. So, say yes and convince yourself later!

Barbara Kenny, Retail Sales Support Manager

I’ve learned to ask myself: Is this a bad day, or is it actually just a bad 10 minutes? Perspective is everything. With the constant mix of work and home demands, it’s not always easy to step back, but when I do, it’s amazing how often things shrink back to their actual - or at least a manageable - size.

I try to focus on what’s genuinely important and what’s simply “noise.” That small shift can be a game-changer.

On International Women’s Day 2026, we reaffirm our commitment to Rights. Justice. Action.
For all women and girls at PTSB.
For all women and girls in our communities.
And for a future that is fairer, stronger, and more inclusive for everyone.