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 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.
“The growing confidence barrier we are seeing in our surveys is worrying and raises questions about whether girls are getting the support they need,” said co-founder of I Wish Caroline O’Driscoll.
I Wish co-founder Gillian Keating said we cannot afford to carry today’s gender inequalities into tomorrow’s technologies.
“Girls must have the opportunity to shape STEM, not simply use it,” Ms Keating said.
Speaking at the launch of the survey, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said Ireland’s future competitiveness depends on developing the skills the economy needs.
“Strong growth in demand is projected over the coming four years for digital specialist jobs, yet women make up only one fifth of this workforce,” Mr Martin said.
“Addressing that imbalance is essential to building the talent our economy needs,” he added.
In February 2027, 4,000 secondary school girls from across the island of Ireland will attend the 13th annual I Wish 2027 Festival at the RDS Dublin to meet women working in STEM, explore career pathways and experience practical demonstrations.
The I Wish 2026 Survey of Female Students’ Attitudes to STEM involved 1,660 primary students and 662 female secondary students.
