The First and deputy First Ministers have become mentors as part of the SistersIN 2025 Leadership Programme.

Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly met with their respective mentees, Clodagh Conroy from St Pius X College and Sophie Murray from Strathearn School, as the leadership and mentorship initiative officially got underway.

The students are scheduled to have a number of one-to-one sessions with the Ministers and will also take part in a job shadow day to gain first-hand experience in Stormont.

First Minister O'Neill welcomed the opportunity to mentor. "SistersIN is all about helping young women to believe in themselves, to chase their dreams, and become future leaders, and I am so pleased to be taking part this year as a mentor," she said. She added that she looked forward to sharing what she has learned, and learning from her mentee, Clodagh, in return.

Deputy First Minister Little-Pengelly said she was "hugely honoured" to be a mentor.

"We want our young women to be empowered and to reach their full potential and this programme gives them the skills and confidence they need to become the young leaders of the future," she commented, adding that she looks forward to providing guidance and encouragement to Sophie.

The students expressed their excitement about being paired with the Ministers.

Clodagh Conroy said she was "so privileged" to have the First Minister as her mentor after being inspired by her previous comments on women empowerment. Sophie Murray called SistersIN a "great opportunity" to learn first-hand from "inspirational, powerful women".