Encouraging women into STEM not just another ‘equality’ fad

Professor Ita Richardson explains why it's so important to encourage girls to take up science, technology, engineering, and maths

The number of girls taking STEM subjects in second and third-level education is increasing, but many more opportunities are out there. 

So often, we hear about the need or want for more women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Colleges call for more women to take STEM subjects in third-level education. Industry tells us we need to increase the number of women in STEM. Women go into schools encouraging girls to consider STEM careers.

For most of my working life, I have advocated for girls and women to consider STEM careers and, in particular, careers in computing, because I think it is really important. I do this with Lero, the University of Limerick, Women in Technology and Science (WITS), and through the Johnson & Johnson Women in STEM D (STEM with Manufacturing and Design) project in Lero/UL.