Gender inequality is the biggest barrier preventing teenage girls from pursuing careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), according to a new study.
The 2024 'I Wish Report' reveals that 60% of Irish teenage girls surveyed cited gender inequality as the biggest barrier, down from the 2021 figure of 83%.
The study shows that a third of teenage girls said stereotypes, such as the belief that boys are inherently better at maths, engineering, or technology, continue to discourage girls from entering STEM fields.
According to the research, 68% of all-girls' schools offer STEM subjects beyond Maths and Science, compared to 87% in mixed schools and 96% in boys' schools.
The STEM subject gender gap is most evident in subjects like engineering, where boys represent 91% of those studying engineering at second level.
I Wish runs a series of programmes aimed at boosting female participation in STEM.
Its 2024 survey involved 179 primary students and 1,703 female secondary students.
I Wish co-founder Caroline O'Driscoll said that more than half of girls say they are not confident in their ability to pursue STEM careers, which she described as "very disheartening".
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, she said: "68% of girls-only schools offer a STEM subject other than Maths or Science, whereas 96% of boys' schools do.
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Ireland has the second-highest proportion of single-sex schools, second only to Malta, which Ms O'Driscoll attributed to "systemic bias in our education system".
She added that the survey did find some improvements in the sector.
"In the last four years in particular we've seen improvements in college, in terms of girls picking STEM careers.
"We’ve seen it in schools and subjects, it’s just slow, and we really do need to accelerate the change."
I Wish will hold its largest-ever STEM showcase in Dublin in February 2025.
Taoiseach Simon Harris said: "The I Wish programme is a powerful catalyst for change.
"Female role models aren't just inspirations, they're unlocking doors to a future where more young women can thrive in STEM fields that are crucial to Ireland's economy."
"This report from I Wish demonstrates that early intervention works, and we must also ensure that girls remain supported through their secondary education and beyond."
