Empower Girls - Bigger, Bolder & Brimming with Future Talent

We said we were going bigger, better, and bolder - and that’s exactly what we did!!

Building on the success of Northern Ireland’s first Empower Girls event in 2024, this year marked a major leap forward. On 30 April, we welcomed 600 Year 8 girls from 22 schools to the ICC Belfast for a high-energy day of hands-on tech, real-world inspiration and a glimpse into the careers of the future.

Run in partnership with CyberFirst NI and Aflac Northern Ireland, and supported by over 50 leading organisations, the goal was simple: show girls that the future of tech and cyber security includes them.

The event was attended by Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA, Minister for the Economy, who spoke about the importance of encouraging more young women into tech and cyber careers - a clear recognition of how vital diverse talent is to Northern Ireland’s digital future.

It was a day to remember. Breakout zones buzzed with workshops, demos and interactive challenges. Students got a front-row seat to what’s possible - guided by professionals from across the industry who brought their expertise, creativity and stories to life in a way that made future careers feel real and achievable.

This was community in action at its best. From schools and industry supporters to the 60 Aflac NI volunteers who showed up on their CSR day, the event was powered by people passionate about building a more inclusive tech workforce - and willing to give their time to make it happen.

And here’s why it matters. Women make up 23% of Northern Ireland’s tech workforce - a figure that won’t shift without early intervention and visibility at the grassroots. And it worked. At the start of the day, only 40% of students said they were considering a career in tech or cyber security. By the end, that number had risen to 72%.

That’s the power of one day. And we’re just getting started.

“If you can see it, you can be it.”

Written by: Victoria Logan, Cyber Security Delivery Lead

Video by: Dillon Osborne