Girls in Ireland become interested in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects around the age of 11, but then start to become less interested from age 15, according to a new survey.
The survey of 1,000 Irish girls and young women between the ages of 11 and 18 focused on STEM, which was commissioned by Microsoft.
The study also found that over half of girls can see themselves in STEM related careers, but a third do not understand how it is relevant to their lives.
The research also found that 60% of girls reject the idea that boys have a natural aptitude and superior skills in STEM.
However, perception remains an issue, with 44% of the girls saying they still picture a man when they think of a scientist, engineer or mathematician.
The importance of mentorship in encouraging girls into STEM is also apparent in the findings, with six statistically important drivers of interest in STEM subjects emerging.
These include dispelling gender-stereotypes in STEM careers, gaining practical experiences and hands-on exercises in STEM subjects and peer approval.
The other factors include having a father who encourages them to pursue STEM, having teachers who encourage them to pursue STEM and feeling more confident that men and women are treated equally in STEM careers.
According to Microsoft, the findings highlight the importance of engaging girls in primary school cycle.
The findings were released to mark the launch of Hour of Code - an initiative to get people, particularly children, to try computer coding for an hour.
Microsoft is partnering with Code.org and CoderDojo to try to encourage children in schools all over the country to get involved.
"The introduction of coding into the secondary school curriculum in 2019 is a step in the right direction however we now need to begin to look at how we engage earlier at a primary level and with more regularity," said Cathriona Hallahan, Microsoft Ireland Managing Director.
"I hope all schools, parents and teachers will support the Hour of Code campaign and help students across the country to take part in the free Minecraft tutorial we have created."
For more information about local activities, plans for Hour of Code and free tutorials see the Microsoft Ireland Twitter feed @MicrosoftIRL, code.org/Minecraft and www.microsoft.ie/HourofCode2016.
