Ireland is making bold moves to ensure more women thrive in the technology sector, particularly focusing on women in tech, a field historically dominated by men. With the tech industry booming across the country — from multinational hubs in Dublin to thriving innovation scenes in Cork and Galway — the Irish Government is working to level the playing field for women and girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

Ireland Doubles Down on Women in Tech: Bold New Government Plans for Women in Tech

From funding returnships to backing grassroots mentorship networks, the country is putting its money where its future is — in digital transformation with equal opportunity.

These initiatives are part of a larger commitment to fostering women in tech and ensuring their voices are heard in the digital landscape.

The Women in STEM Action Plan (2023–2027)

At the heart of Ireland’s efforts is the Women in STEM Action Plan, launched by the Department of Further and Higher Education. This initiative is crucial for promoting women in tech and outlines a multi-year strategy to significantly boost the number of women in tech entering — and staying in — science and tech careers.

Key objectives include:

• Increasing female participation in STEM from school to third-level education.
• Promoting leadership opportunities for women in the tech workforce.
• Addressing bias and stereotypes that discourage girls from pursuing tech.
• Tracking gender data to improve visibility and progress.

Education First: Building the Future

The Government is investing in education initiatives to spark early interest in technology among girls:

• Primary and secondary schools are rolling out more inclusive coding programmes and STEM experiences.
• The STEM Education Policy Statement focuses on changing perceptions and providing real-world career pathways.
• Tech-focused transition year (TY) programmes are now supported with government funding to encourage girls from diverse and underserved backgrounds to participate.

Career Support and Upskilling for Women

Ireland recognises that not all tech professionals start early. That’s why it funds and promotes pathways for women returning to the workforce or changing careers.

Notable examples:

• Women ReBOOT – A career returner programme supported by Skillnet Ireland, helping women re-enter tech roles after time away.
• Tech Apprenticeships – Encouraged and subsidised through SOLAS and training networks, with a gender inclusion focus.

These programmes offer a powerful gateway for women who may have felt locked out of the industry — until now.

Enterprise and Entrepreneurship

Ireland’s commitment also extends to female-led tech entrepreneurship:

• Enterprise Ireland’s Competitive Start Fund – Women Entrepreneurs offers capital investment, mentoring, and networking tailored for women building scalable startups.
• Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) run digital training programmes and mentorship specifically for female founders.
• The goal is to boost the number of women-led high-growth tech businesses in Ireland, both in urban and rural areas.

Mentorship and Corporate Accountability

The Government also backs several industry-led but publicly supported networks that are driving real change.

• Connecting Women in Technology (CWIT) brings together major tech companies to offer mentorships, school programmes, and visibility campaigns.
• Balance for Better Business tracks gender representation at board level across tech and other sectors, urging companies to do better — and publishing the data to prove it.

Ireland on the EU Stage

Ireland is fully engaged in EU initiatives supporting women in digital careers, including:

• The Digital Europe Programme, promoting female inclusion in Europe’s digital transition.
• EIT Women in Tech, offering funding and accelerator opportunities to female founders operating in Ireland and beyond.

Looking Ahead

Ireland’s national goal is to:

• Double the number of women entering STEM by 2030.
• Improve female retention in third-level tech programmes.
• Increase the number of women in senior tech roles, from developers to directors.

By combining education reform, funding, mentorship, and visibility, Ireland is not just talking about change — it’s building the infrastructure to make it happen.

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