Tag: gap

58% of Irish Parents Believe Tech is Preparing Children for the Future Workplace

More than half of parents in Ireland value the role of technology in preparing children for the future workplace. A new survey commissioned by STEM South West, a not-for-profit that promotes STEM education and careers, reveals that 58% of parents of children under 18 see technology as essential for equipping the next generation with the skills they need for the future. However, some groups – particularly younger adults  – are more sceptical, with many believing that technology is a distraction.

These results were published to coincide with the launch of the STEM South West Expo 2025, where PepsiCo are platinum sponsors, will take place on 20th  November at Cork City Hall. The FREE full-day event which will be open to schools only in the morning, and then to the public from 4pm-7pm.

It will celebrate and showcase innovation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths, bringing together students, parents, educators, and industry leaders from across the South West Region. Attendees will explore hands-on exhibits, and interactive displays that demonstrate how STEM is shaping Ireland’s future, with everything from robotics to AI, VR to AR and more being showcased.

STEM South West estimates that at least 35% of Ireland’s 972,000 primary and secondary students[1] will need to pursue STEM education to meet future workforce requirements.

Overall, just over half of respondents to the new survey believe technology is preparing children for the future, but the research found significant differences in viewpoints by age, gender, socio-economic background and region. Experts at STEM SW say these findings highlight a growing debate about the role of technology in childhood learning and development.

Highlights from the STEM South West Survey

  • Generational divide: While 63% of 25 -34 year-olds believe technology is preparing children for the future, only 46% of 18 -24 year-olds said the same. The remainder view it as more of a distraction.
  • Gender gap: 58% of men say technology equips children for the workplace compared with 45% of women.
  • Socio-economic contrast: 56% of ABC1 respondents (higher SES) believe technology is preparing children, whereas 54% of C2DE respondents believe it is a distraction – suggesting concerns about unequal access or overreliance on digital tools.
  • Regional variation: 52% of those in Munster and 54% in Dublin say technology is preparing children, compared with just 45% in Connacht and Ulster. The rest of Leinster aligned closely with the national average at 52%.

Mary Good, Chair of STEM South West, spoke at the launch of the 2025 Expo,

“These findings highlight the diversity of opinion across Ireland. Older millennials, who are embedded in tech-driven workplaces, may see the benefits, while younger adults, particularly those still in education, may be more aware of technology’s downsides, from screen addiction to overreliance”.

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who was present at the launch, added that,

“Technology is an essential part of how we live and work. We need to teach children how to use it intelligently, creatively, and safely. From coding and digital design to problem-solving and data literacy, these are the skills that will define the future workforce.”

Skills for the Future:

The STEM South West survey also explored which skills people believe will be most valuable for the next generation:

When asked, “Which skill will be most valuable for the next generation?”

  1. Creativity and problem-solving emerged as the top priority (37%).
  2. Followed closely by adaptability and lifelong learning (35%).
  3. Technical STEM knowledge rated highest by 28% of respondents.
  • Age Differences: 18 -24-year-olds prioritised technical STEM knowledge most, with 41% selecting it as the most important skill, just 13% of 25–34-year-olds felt this way. Instead, this slightly older group placed greatest emphasis on creativity and problem-solving (53%), suggesting a possible generational shift in perception.
  • Gender Differences: Men were slightly more likely than women to see technical STEM knowledge as critical (30% vs 25%), while women tended to emphasise creativity and adaptability.
  • Parents showed a fairly even split across all three skill areas, underlining the perception around the complexity of preparing children for a future where both technical expertise and soft skills are necessary.
  • Regional Perspectives: Munster respondents showed a balanced view across all three skill areas (technical knowledge 31%, creativity 33%, and adaptability 34%), giving slightly more weight to adaptability. In contrast, Dublin (42%) and Connacht/Ulster (45%) ranked creativity highest, reflecting perhaps the influence of urban innovation hubs and exposure to industries that prioritise problem-solving and creative thinking.

 

“This feedback suggests that younger adults may be focused on immediate career prospects and educational exposure, while those with more professional experience understand the growing importance of creativity and adaptability in a rapidly changing workplace,” said Ms. Good. “But in reality, the future will demand all three – creativity, adaptability, and strong technical STEM knowledge.

“In a world where AI and automation are taking over routine tasks, the human skills of problem-solving, critical thinking and innovation become even more valuable. STEM education sits at the heart of that balance. It gives young people the tools to understand technology, to use it responsibly and imaginatively, and to apply it in ways that improve our world, whether in healthcare, energy, climate, or beyond.”

“The ability to think creatively, analyse data, and adapt to constant change is what will truly set this generation apart. That’s why fostering STEM skills isn’t just about preparing students for future jobs; it’s about empowering them to shape the future itself.”

STEM South West Expo 2025

Since its launch, the Expo has become a cornerstone of Ireland’s STEM education calendar. In 2024, 88% of student attendees said they were more likely to pursue STEM subjects after taking part.

Ms. Good explained:

“The Expo is not just about showing technology; it’s about inspiring curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. Students see how their skills apply in real-world contexts, how STEM can help tackle challenges like climate change, healthcare, housing, and energy – and why adaptability and creativity matter alongside technical expertise”.

“Ireland’s future as a global innovation leader depends on equipping the next generation with a combination of technical skills, creativity, and adaptability. This survey highlights both the opportunities and the gaps, and the Expo provides a platform to inspire students and give them the tools to succeed”.

STEM South West Expo 2025
Date: 20 November 2025 | Time: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm (Schools only in the morning, General Public welcome with free tickets from 4pm  – 7pm) | Location: Cork City Hall
Theme: Celebrating Innovation. Connecting Futures. Inspiring the Next Generation.

New Global Platform For Women Entrepreneurs To Tackle Gender Gap In Tech

“It’s no secret the odds are stacked against women starting tech companies. We’re tired waiting so we’re taking matters into our own hands”, that’s the message from Irish entrepreneur Máirín Murray who has developed a global platform to tackle the gap in female founded tech startups.

Co Down entrepreneur Máirín, founder of women‑in‑tech innovation company TechFoundHer, has announced the global launch of the TechFoundHer Collective, an online platform designed to accelerate women into tech entrepreneurship.

She explained the new membership programme will give women the practical support and backing to start, lead and scale tech companies, even if they have no coding background.

According to data commissioned by the Invest in Women Taskforce all-female founded businesses in Northern Ireland received just £2.5 million (2%) of the nation’s total equity funding in 2024, male teams received £93.7 million in investment which was nearly 80% of the total amount invested.

“We’re launching The Collective on National Women’s Enterprise Day because the numbers speak for themselves – the challenges are global – we all know about the approx 2% of VC funding going to women led enterprises but what’s needed is action” said Máirín.

Against that backdrop, The Collective is backed by a powerful network of global investors and tech leaders including Kelly Vero (CTO in Residence), Lata Setty (Global Investor in Residence), Naseem Sayani (VC in Residence), Wendy Ryan (Angel Investor in Residence), Rose Tighe (Product Innovator in Residence), Ntola Obazee (Chief Marketing Officer in Residence) and Aarthi Kumar (Chief Data & AI Strategist in Residence) among others.

“The gender stereotyping of what a tech founder looks like is real. Women innovating with tech are facing a multitude of challenges. From less funding and backers to fewer accelerator places” Dublin based entrepreneur, Máirín said, adding: “with higher barriers for women starting tech ventures we need new thinking and solutions.

“The TechFoundHer Collective is our answer, founder-led –  it’s a global network where women champion other women, share product and tech know-how and tap into investors who believe in them,” she explained.

Membership of the TechFoundHer Collective will give participants early access to tools, webinars and expert support and connect members with investors and industry champions.

Game industry icon Kelly Vero, the CTO in Residence for The Collective, said: “I’m thrilled to be joining TechFoundHer as CTO in Residence. I’ll be hosting Ask Me Anything sessions, this is a chance for members to ask me anything from building AI engines, designing games, creating clean tech stacks and surviving code chaos, to just staying sane while being the only woman in the room.”

TechFoundHer’s move comes as the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor reports a rise in women’s start‑up activity, up from 6.1% in the early 2000s to 10.4% in 2021‑23, yet still underscores the fact that women remain under‑represented in high‑growth tech sectors and leadership roles.

International investor and legal expert Lata Setty, Global Investor in Residence at The Collective said: “As Global Investor in Residence, thrilled to join the TechFoundHer Collective.

“Across the globe, women tech founders are crying out for a network that not only fuels innovation and collaboration, but also drives and measures progress.

“The TechFoundHer Collective delivers that momentum and so much more – helping founders move faster, build smarter, scale quicker and contribute to global impact.”

From community build-a-longs hosted by founders, to hands-on workshops using disruptive tools like Lovable and Replit, The Collective is redefining what it means to build a startup in 2025 and beyond.

Early adopter, entrepreneur Susie Kilcoyne who is the founder of loyalty platform Locket, said: “With the Collective, you’re not going solo. You’re building alongside a crew of founders who are all figuring it out together. That’s what makes it powerful.”

For more information or to join The Collective go to techfound-her.mn.co.

Download App on Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/techfoundher-collective/id6745909124

Download App on Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mightybell.techfoundher&hl=en

eir’s gender pay gap narrows to 1.59%

eir, Ireland’s leading telecommunications provider, has today published its 2024 Gender Pay Gap Report, which shows that the gender pay gap has narrowed to 1.59%, significantly closing the gap and nearing complete closure since eir’s first report in 2021. eir remains dedicated to closing the gender pay gap by 2030, aligning with broader Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) objectives.

Since the publication of eir’s first Gender Pay Gap Report in 2021, the company’s Mean Pay Gap has decreased from 11.2% to 1.59%, reflecting a significant reduction of 9.6% over the past three years. This improvement is favourable when compared to the Irish Mean Gender Pay gap of 12.6%.

The decline in our Mean Pay Gap can be attributed to several factors, including enhanced gender balance, particularly in senior roles and those that attract higher overall reward. Additionally, it is significantly influenced by bonus payments that predominantly benefit the female workforce.

Meanwhile, the wider Senior leadership population in eir team shows a gender split of 42% female to 58% male, reflecting a gradual year-on-year improvement.

Since the initial gender pay gap report, eir has seen an increase in female representation in senior roles, alongside recruitment efforts in STEM and traditionally male-dominated areas such as engineering and technology. eir’s Senior Management Team comprises 46% female leaders, marking a significant achievement in advancing gender balance within the organisation.

Alongside the Gender Pay Gap report, eir is also launching its Diversity Equality & Inclusion (DE&I) Policy, and key initiatives include mentorship programmes and partnerships with educational institutions, strengthening its diverse talent pipeline.

Oliver Loomes, CEO of eir, “At eir, our purpose is to connect for a better Ireland and as part of our ESG strategy, we set a goal to eliminate the Gender Pay Gap entirely by 2030, supported by a clear and actionable plan. Our 2024 Gender Pay Gap Report highlights the significant progress we’ve made, reducing the gap to 1.59%—an almost 4% improvement from last year’s 5.51% and a 9.6% reduction since our first report in 2021.”

“This progress reflects our commitment to progress. By creating a workplace where opportunities are accessible to all, we are investing in the long-term sustainability of our workforce and ensuring that our business remains competitive and resilient.”

Sandra Donohue, Director of HR at eir, “As we publish our Gender Pay Gap Report this year, we are pleased to see a further reduction in the Mean Gender Pay Gap, which reflects the progress made on female representation, particularly in senior positions. We are making progress, and this makes us even more determined to continue our commitment to sustained action until we eliminate the Gender Pay Gap completely. 

“Attracting female talent into non-traditional and STEM roles remains our long-term priority.  We will continue to engage with the educational sector to inspire young people to consider the variety and breadth of career opportunities in STEM, whether that be in eir or other industries.

“We can only sustain this progress by ensuring we focus on gender diversity at all levels and that we are building a strong pipeline of female talent to fill future leadership roles.  This year, we have introduced our Diversity, Equality & Inclusion policy and established formal action plans, providing a clear roadmap of initiatives to continue to ensure we are eir for all.”

A full link to the eir DE&I Policy 2024 can be found here: eir.ie/sustainability/policies/