The DfE Women in STEM Steering Group has published a report providing an overview of its activities and achievements in its first year and its ambitions for the future.

The 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.

But the steering group has also 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 also 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.

Co-Chairs Professor Eileen Harkin Jones and Dr Bryan Keating said, “In just twelve short months we have co-designed an action plan to support women in STEM as part of the 10x economic vision, provided evidence to identify and endorse programmes which will support students and teachers in STEM activities, and seen the Department for the Economy and the Royal Academy of Engineering formally undertaking to work together to deliver projects which will help achieve our shared goals.

“In addition, the steering group has contributed to many other plans and strategies, such as the DfE Skills Strategy, the DfC Gender Equality Strategy and the joint DfE/DE 14-19 Framework. We have been very proactive as a group in contributing to these complementary areas of policy and Women in STEM is now formally recognised in these documents.

“We are very grateful for the resilience and continued enthusiasm of every member of the steering group. Their ongoing commitment in collecting and presenting evidence, developing recommendations for action and supporting the aims of the steering group in everything they do has been vital in delivering the achievements of the past year.

“We would also like to thank the Department for the Economy for all their hard work and support this year – their commitment to a shared vision of economic prosperity and their understanding that addressing the under-representation of women in STEM is critical to it has been vital to our work.

“Over the years, both of us have had the privilege to help shape the skills policy landscape in Northern Ireland through various panels and groups, and it is truly encouraging to see actions already being taken forward so quickly and with such commitment by the department to deliver on the Women in STEM Action Plan.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the department in the coming year, and hope that other departments will share the same sense of urgency and commitment to take action to solve this issue. Together we can ensure that Northern Ireland takes full advantage of all of the benefits that a diverse workforce will bring.”