Showcase: 6,000 girls urged to pick Stem careers

IRELAND has made significant strides in boosting the number of young women entering science-based careers, but 75pc of Stem-type jobs are still filled by men.

The revelation comes as more than 6,000 transition year girls attend ‘I Wish’ events in Cork and Dublin to promote Stem (science, technology, engineering and maths) careers.

The events – being staged at Cork City Hall and the RDS – aim to promote Stem careers by showcasing role models including Young Scientist champion Ciara Judge, Dr Pixie McKenna, Dr Jessamyn Fairfield and Sonya Lennon.

‘I Wish’ co-founder Caroline O’Driscoll said Ireland has made major strides in encouraging women to enter the greater science field, but more remains to be done.

“Employment within the general Stem field here in Ireland is around 25pc for women,” she said.

“A survey has indicated that 60pc (of students) change their subject choices after attending here.”

PHOTO: CLARE KEOGH Inspired: Holly Jordan of St Patrick’s Comprehensive School, Co Clare, and Hayley Orr, of medtech firm Stryker, at the first day of ‘I Wish 2019’ at Cork City Hall yesterday.