The Women in STEM Steering Group recently held an away day to find out more about what the Department for the Economy is doing to support the women in STEM agenda. The presentations in the morning session outlined the projects funded by the department through ERAP (the Economic Recovery Action Plan) in partnership with the Royal Academy of Engineering and Project Enthuse as well as updates on the outreach programme, which includes sponsorship of the Shegenerate STEM8, the Speakers for Schools 21st Century Girls project and the proposed Causeway International Air Show STEM Village. All the presentations were really uplifting and the enthusiasm and commitment of the speakers to the STEM agenda shone through.
The afternoon working session with the Steering Group was also highly informative and productive. This was down to a combination of the full engagement of all participants and the groundwork laid down by Alister Wilson of Waverley Consulting. His background papers and summaries on the barriers to Women moving into STEM, progressing in STEM careers and returning to STEM roles were comprehensive and highly enlightening.
A massive thank you to everyone who participated – it was a great day and wonderful so many were able to attend the full session.