News
CyberFirst Empower Girls Event
Belfast came alive yesterday (April 30) as 600 Year 8 girls from 22 schools across Northern Ireland gathered at ICC Belfast for Empower Girls – a high-energy event designed to spark early interest in cyber security and tech careers.
Hosted by CyberFirst in partnership with Aflac Northern Ireland and more than 50 leading organisations, the event gave students a day of hands-on learning, inspiring talks and future focused experiences.
The event is part of the CyberFirst Schools and Colleges scheme, delivered by Belfast Metropolitan College and led by the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland on behalf of the National Cyber Security Centre.
Speaking at the event, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA, Minister for the Economy, highlighted the importance of encouraging more young women to pursue careers in cyber security and technology and said:
“Today’s event highlights some of the exciting and rewarding career opportunities open to young women in cyber security and technology, as well as the industry’s commitment to encourage young women to be at the forefront of the next generation of cyber and tech professionals.
“The energy and enthusiasm in the breakout zones was palpable and this event is a reminder of why CyberFirst Schools and Colleges scheme is so important. It enthuses, encourages and enables young people to develop and explore their passion for technology through cyber security. The young women attending today’s event will be better informed when it comes to subject choices and the career opportunities available to them.”
The event was widely praised by students, educators and tech leaders alike, highlighting the importance of creating a more diverse and inclusive future for Northern Ireland’s tech workforce
Sara Lyons, CyberFirst NI Project Manager at Belfast Met explained the purpose of the event:
“The second CyberFirst Empower Girls event has been a huge success with over 600 young students from across Northern Ireland engaging with over 50 companies who are shaping the region’s future in cyber security.
“Cyber skills are essential to our future, and we need to develop a diverse talent pipeline where girls see a place for themselves. This event was an excellent opportunity to showcase what’s possible and inspire the next generation of students to choose STEM and pursue a career in this exciting, fast-moving field.”
To measure the event’s impact, students completed surveys at the start and end of the day. Initially, only 40% had considered a career in tech or cybersecurity. By the end, that number had jumped to 72% – a powerful reminder of how just one day of inspiration can shift perceptions and ignite ambition.
Mark McCormack, Managing Director at Aflac Northern Ireland, key sponsors of the event, added:
“We were excited to join with the wider Northern Ireland tech community to present the many career opportunities within the sector to the next generation of talent. We know first-hand the value that a diverse workforce can offer, we’re committed to building a tech sector where everyone belongs. Events like this offer a powerful platform to showcase the importance of tech and cyber security in our digitally connected world as well as the huge variety of career opportunities that will exist when these girls leave school.”
Contact cyberfirst@belfastmet.ac.uk for more info and get involved today!