DfE Women in STEM Steering Group 2020-21 Review

The Women in STEM Steering Group was convened in October 2020 to provide advice and strategic oversight to the Department for the Economy (DfE) in developing and implementing the recommendations outlined in the Matrix 2018 Women in STEM Report.

The initial focus of the steering group was to support and oversee the creation of the Northern Ireland WISE Hub, which was formally launched by the DfE Minister in October 2020. Members were tasked with supporting the development of the hub to ensure that it had the best chance of success while meeting the Matrix recommendations.

During 2021, the steering group has been working with stakeholders to develop a shared Vision and Action Plan for Women in STEM in Northern Ireland. Set against a rapidly evolving policy landscape, the steering group has supported the DfE through various activities to develop a plan for action on this agenda that will underpin the Department’s Vision for a 10X Economy and other complementary strategies to ensure that the necessary policies for progress are embedded. This work will continue to develop over the coming months into 2022 with continued engagement with the Northern Ireland STEM ecosystem and government departments.

The steering group has undertaken a series of activities with DfE this year to ensure that Northern Ireland’s economic policy reflects the needs of girls and women who want to work in STEM careers.

This report provides an overview of the activities and achievements of the steering group in its first year and its ambitions for the future.