Employment and Learning Minister Addresses Women In Business Conference

More women are needed in senior leadership and management positions, along with a greater uptake by females of careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM), Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry has told the International Business Women’s Conference in Belfast.

The conference, organised by Women in Business NI, provides an opportunity to showcase Northern Ireland’s business potential as well as the potential of business women on a local and global scale.

The Minister said: "The future of our economy depends upon maximising levels of participation, including from women, and driving up skills levels, including in the crucial STEM areas.

"However, there are clear impediments to women entering the most lucrative and dynamic areas of our economy, and also to remaining and progressing in the workplace, including to the highest levels of leadership.

"Upon leaving school, females tend to be better qualified than males. Women are also more likely to progress to higher education with around 60% of our university enrolments being female. However, women account for less than 30% of those graduating in STEM subjects, excluding medicine and health. We need to encourage young women to consider STEM subjects and careers.

"Addressing the gender bias within STEM subjects at school, college, university and employment is an important issue for me. It is vital that we enthuse and inspire all our young people to study STEM courses and to progress to employment in the STEM related industries. To do this we must ensure that these sectors offer attractive employment opportunities, and that all young people are aware of the wide range of careers options available within these sectors.

(MH)