‘I Wish’ Initiative Calls To Change Gender Imbalance In Science, Technology and Engineering

A two day event is to take place in City Hall Cork on the 11th and 12th of  February aims to increasethe number of female entrants to third level STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) courses. I WISH expects to see over 2000 students attend workshops, exhibits and meetings with female STEM role models. In 2014 just 17% of entrants into ICT courses were female, a figure which has been consistent since 2004, and the percentage of female maths students dropping 13 point to just 22% in 10 years. [caption id="attachment_268639" align="alignnone" width="474"] Mary Leneghan, and Gillian Keating[/caption] 'The gender imbalance in STEM careers is increasing  and the lack of visible female role models and mentors is often cited as a key barrier for women. This was articulated best by student Emma from Bandon at the I WISH 2015 event “when we look up, it is usually men we see”. Girls cannot aspire to be what they cannot see. Now in its second year, the I WISH event is back to provide introductions to a number of engaging female STEM role models, and to inspire a new generation of girls to become shining STEM stars.' The I WISH initiative was co-founded by three Cork women; Gillian Keating, Partner, Ronan Daly Jermyn Solicitors, Caroline O’Driscoll, Partner KPMG and vice chair it@cork and Ruth Buckley, Head of ICT & Business Services at Cork City Council. Students will hear from female leaders in Dell, PepsiCo, Google, Vodafone, Twitter and young female entrepreneurs about tech and science careers for women, as well as young women with careers in traditionally male-dominated areas such as engineering and maths.   The events are free to attend, so it would definitely be worth a look if you're doing your Leaving Cert this year, or intend on going back to education.