Girls at risk of being left behind in AI careers - report
A new survey by the initiative I Wish highlights a growing confidence gap among female students regarding STEM subjects. The report warns that Ireland risks falling behind in the AI-driven workforce if gender imbalances in technology education and careers are not addressed.
Why it matters
Addressing the gender gap in STEM is critical for economic competitiveness and ensuring equitable participation in the future AI-driven labor market.
Just over one in four girls surveyed in single-sex schools currently have access to Computer Science at Leaving Certificate level, according to new research.
The 2026 I Wish survey of female students' attitudes to STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) found that 60% of respondents identified a lack of confidence in their STEM subject ability as a barrier to pursuing a STEM career, which has risen from 55% in 2025, and 50% in 2024.
The survey - of 1,660 primary students and 662 female secondary students - found that two-thirds of female secondary students identify poor gender equality in STEM careers as a barrier, while the same proportion cited insufficient career information.
I Wish, a not-for-profit initiative aimed at encouraging young women to pursue careers in STEM, said Ireland risks leaving girls behind in the race to build an AI-ready workforce.
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