Belfast came alive yesterday as 600 Year 8 girls from 22 schools across Northern Ireland gathered at ICC Belfast for Empower Girls – a high-energy event designed to spark early interest in cyber security and tech careers.
Hosted by CyberFirst in partnership with Aflac Northern Ireland and over 50 leading organisations – including industry giants, academic institutions, charities, and government bodies – the event provided students with hands-on learning, inspiring talks, and future-focused experiences.
The objective was to boost representation of women in Northern Ireland’s tech industry, which currently sees women making up only 23% of the workforce, despite the sector offering some of the region’s fastest-growing career paths.
This initiative is part of the CyberFirst Schools and Colleges scheme, led by the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland on behalf of the National Cyber Security Centre, with the backing of various sponsors including Amazon Web Services and Queen’s University Belfast.
Key Points
- Empower Girls attracted 600 girls from 22 schools to promote interest in cyber security and technology.
- The event highlighted the need for more female representation in Northern Ireland’s tech workforce.
- Workshops and competitions were led by local and global companies to provide practical experiences.
- Surveys indicated a significant increase in girls considering tech careers, from 40% to 72% after the event.
- Attendees had the chance to meet female role models from influential companies like ASOS and Microsoft.
Why should I read this?
If you’re interested in the future of tech careers in Northern Ireland, this article is a must-read! It dives into an exciting initiative that’s sparking curiosity among young women in an often male-dominated field. By showcasing how hands-on experiences and role models can change perceptions, you’ll see the real impact such events can have—perfect for educators, industry professionals, or anyone committed to creating a diverse tech landscape!