Written by Clare McGrath, Senior Teacher for Creative Digital Learning at St Malachy’s College
As a teacher in a Belfast post primary school and as a woman who started her career in the traditionally male-dominated field of engineering, I’ve seen first-hand the difference early exposure to technology can make in shaping a young girl’s future. I’ve also seen how easily those opportunities can slip by if we don’t act with intent.
In Northern Ireland, we’re proud of our growing tech industry and ambitious digital goals. But a significant challenge remains: the persistent underrepresentation of women in tech. Despite progress elsewhere, technology is still perceived by many girls as something that isn’t for them. According to recent UCAS data, only around 20% of students taking A-level computing are female, and that number drops even further in tech careers.
This is not just a pipeline issue, it’s a perception issue. And it begins early. Girls often don’t see themselves reflected in tech roles. They rarely encounter a curriculum that connects computing with creativity, collaboration, or real-world impact. Many still believe the myth that success in ICT demands mathematical brilliance or endless hours of solo coding. These perceptions quietly shape decisions and narrow futures long before students even reach university.
Post primary school is a crucial time to change that. It’s where we can reframe tech not as an isolated or mechanical subject, but as a tool for innovation and meaningful change. Traits often subconsciously encouraged more in girls - like empathy, collaboration, and design thinking, are not just relevant to tech; they are essential. And nowhere is this more evident than in the rise of Artificial Intelligence.
AI is of course transforming every industry - from healthcare to education, climate science to creative media. It’s no longer just about coding; it’s about ethics, design, communication, and problem-solving. This opens up incredible opportunities for girls, especially those who may not see themselves as traditional “techies” but who care deeply about social impact. AI needs diverse perspectives to ensure it serves everyone fairly and equitably. Who better to help shape that future than today’s girls?
As educators, that starts in the classroom. We need to diversify what we teach and how we teach it. When students see the link between tech and things they care about like health, the environment and human rights, they begin to understand the subject differently. We should integrate creative pathways like digital storytelling, AI-driven design, or data for social good alongside coding. Teachers must actively encourage girls who show curiosity, even if they doubt their own ability. Normalising failure as part of the learning process is key, especially in emerging tech fields like AI, where experimentation is everything.
The tech industry also plays a vital role. Local companies can bring their people into schools to speak, mentor, and inspire. Work experience opportunities and internships aimed at female students help make the workplace feel accessible and welcoming. Importantly, we need to ensure that these companies are creating inclusive cultures where girls not only enter the sector, but stay and thrive.
This matters. Not only for girls, but for the future of our education system, our economy, and our society. When girls are excluded from tech, we lose out on half the talent, creativity, and problem-solving power available to us. Education becomes narrower. Innovation becomes biased. And our economy suffers from the lack of a fully equipped digital workforce. For Northern Ireland, a region striving to position itself as a global hub for technology, cybersecurity, and innovation, the inclusion of girls and women in tech isn’t just a gender issue. It’s an economic imperative. It’s a social responsibility. And it’s a strategic opportunity.
Sync NI's Summer 2025 magazine celebrates women in tech across Ireland as we continue to encourage more women to enter the thriving sector and address the current gender imbalance. Read the Summer 2025 Sync NI Magazine online for free here.
