I Wish warns girls risk being left behind in Ireland’s AI future

The Irish not-for-profit initiative has warned that just 27% of girls surveyed in single-sex schools have access to Computer Science at Leaving Certificate level, despite projected 27% growth in demand for digital specialists over the next four years.

The findings come from the 2026 I Wish Survey of Female Students’ Attitudes to STEM, which also found that 60% of girls identified a lack of confidence in their STEM abilities as a barrier to pursuing a career in the sector. That compares with 55% in 2025 and 50% in 2024.

Two-thirds of respondents cited poor gender equality in STEM careers and insufficient career information as barriers, while 61% pointed to a lack of school visits by female STEM role models.

Speaking at the launch of the 11th annual survey, Taoiseach [Irish Prime Minister] Micheál Martin said addressing the gender imbalance was essential to developing the talent needed by the Irish economy.

“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,” he said.

I Wish co-founder Caroline O’Driscoll said girls needed practical opportunities and encouragement to explore careers in technology, engineering and construction.

“We ask girls to be ambitious, but ambition needs assistance,” she said, adding that the growing confidence barrier raised questions about whether girls were receiving adequate support.

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The survey also found more positive attitudes among younger students, with 93% of primary pupils surveyed through the I Wish Primary Program saying STEM subjects suit everyone, regardless of gender.

Co-founder Gillian Keating said girls must have opportunities to shape emerging technologies rather than simply use them.

The organization is calling for more equitable access to STEM subjects, stronger career guidance, and greater exposure to female role models.

Its 2027 festival will bring 4,000 secondary school girls to Dublin’s RDS on 4 February to explore STEM careers.

Iarnród Éireann will provide free rail transport from 22 locations, with Translink facilitating travel from Belfast.

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* This article was originally published on BusinessPlus.ie.