Menu
14/05/2014
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)
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)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 February 2024
Seven Business Ideas To Start In NI
If you take a moment to look up the top business opportunities in Northern Ireland on a search engine such as Google, you'll be greeted with more than a million hits. With so many experts suggesting various options, it's easy to feel overwhelmed when deciding which opportunity to pursue.
Seven Business Ideas To Start In NI
If you take a moment to look up the top business opportunities in Northern Ireland on a search engine such as Google, you'll be greeted with more than a million hits. With so many experts suggesting various options, it's easy to feel overwhelmed when deciding which opportunity to pursue.
05 November 2008
Women Can 'Do The Business' Says Ruane
More women should be starting their own business, especially in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Women Can 'Do The Business' Says Ruane
More women should be starting their own business, especially in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
22 March 2024
11 Administrative Challenges Facing Small Businesses
In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, small businesses are facing an unprecedented array of challenges. From navigating the complexities of technology and compliance to fostering meaningful customer relationships and managing a dispersed workforce, the hurdles can seem insurmountable.
11 Administrative Challenges Facing Small Businesses
In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, small businesses are facing an unprecedented array of challenges. From navigating the complexities of technology and compliance to fostering meaningful customer relationships and managing a dispersed workforce, the hurdles can seem insurmountable.
01 October 2009
Schools Focus On Science & Technology
Science, technology, engineering and maths - or 'STEM subjects - are to receive top priority in NI schools. A review - commissioned in 2007 against a backdrop of reducing student numbers choosing STEM subjects - has shown that getting more students to choose such subjects is a key part of the development of the Northern Ireland economy.
Schools Focus On Science & Technology
Science, technology, engineering and maths - or 'STEM subjects - are to receive top priority in NI schools. A review - commissioned in 2007 against a backdrop of reducing student numbers choosing STEM subjects - has shown that getting more students to choose such subjects is a key part of the development of the Northern Ireland economy.
20 May 2002
Nationwide search for top businesswomen
A national search for Britain's top women entrepreneurs – one of the fastest-growing business segments in the UK - has been launched by T-Mobile and the Sunday Express.
Nationwide search for top businesswomen
A national search for Britain's top women entrepreneurs – one of the fastest-growing business segments in the UK - has been launched by T-Mobile and the Sunday Express.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A dry and sunny start but cloud bubbling up with a few showers developing from late morning. Sunny intervals and scattered showers in the afternoon, these could be heavy at times. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Remaining cloudy with a few showers continuing through the evening. Some drier, clearer spells in the early hours, before cloud builds and showers turn more persistent towards dawn. Minimum temperature 4 °C.
