'Deeply concerning' report shows lack of information for girls on Stem careers

At the launch of the I Wish Report 2023 on teenage girls' perspectives on Stem are, from left: TY student Libby Hudson, Stanhope Secondary School, Stoneybatter; Education sector lead in Deloitte Louise McEntee; I Wish co-founder Gillian Keating; Taoiseach Leo Varadkar; I Wish co-founder Caroline O'Driscoll; and TY student Erin Kinsella, Stanhope Secondary School, Stoneybatter. Picture: Maxwell’s

A majority  of teenage girls (67%) lack “crucial information” about careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (Stem), according to a “deeply concerning” report.

The countrywide survey of 2,335 female transition year students found 64% of respondents saw lack of information on Stem college courses as a considerable barrier to pursuing careers in these fields.

I Wish, a programme which aims to inspire girls to pursue careers in Stem, said its findings show a failure to bring Stem to life for girls and the opportunities to design a better and more inclusive future through Stem.

Some 41% of students emphasised the need for more career guidance and work-related activities during their school years.

Despite 97% of participants having access to a guidance counsellor, 21% of girls reported never having a career guidance class.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the report highlighted “a stark reality”.

“Stem fields are pathways to innovation, progress, and limitless potential. We are committed to ensuring that every young woman in our country has the knowledge and support needed to excel in Stem,” he said.

I Wish co-founder Gillian Keating said the lack of information about Stem college careers and job opportunities for girls was “deeply concerning”.

“These statistics raise questions about the guidance counselling provided in some schools. We must diversify how we present Stem careers and pathways, equipping young women with the knowledge they need,” she said.

Just one in four Stem professionals are women, with survey respondents noting well-paid work, the chance to make a meaningful impact, and making discoveries as key values in Stem-related careers.

Their own work-related values prioritised a good work-life balance, a high salary, and the opportunity to travel.

I Wish co-founder Caroline O'Driscoll said the programme had engaged with more than 60,000 girls in the last 10 years and had seen “substantial positive change”.

She said there had been a notable increase in female enrolment in Stem college courses, with the proportion rising from 29% in 2014 to 36% last year.

“Nevertheless, while significant progress is evident, there is still room for improvement. We must better appreciate the work-related values held by these girls. 

"A career in Stem arguably embodies these values, but perhaps we are not conveying the story effectively,” she said.