Women from the world of science and technology to help inspire the next generation 

23/02/23 

The theme for International Women's Day 2023 is"DigitalALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality"andThe Cardiff Commitmentis appealing to women from the science and technology industries, to come forward and help inspire the next generation. 

Figures published by The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, show thatglobally, women make up just 19.9% of science and engineering professionals and that females are the minority in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) education at 35%. Just 3% are enrolled in Information Communication and Technology studies. 

With the aim of raising aspirations andinspiring more schoolgirls in Cardiff to consider future digital careers, The Cardiff Commitmentis working with a range of diverse women in roles across the sector, to share their experiences during a series of events for International Women's Day.  

Cabinet Member for Education Employment and Skills, Cllr Sarah Merry said: "In celebration of International Women's Day, The Cardiff Commitment is looking to shine a spotlight on the disparity between the number of male and female learners taking up STEM subjects and seeks topromoteand develop gender equality in technology. 

"We want to embrace equity and celebrate women trailblazing in the science and technology industries, with the hope that Cardiff school girls will feel inspired and empowered to imagine themselves progressing in these careers, following education." 

The Cardiff Commitment supports the Council's vision that the public, private and third sectors can work in partnership with schools and education providers, to connect children and young people to the vast range of opportunities available in the world of work. 

Cllr Merry added: "By connectingbusinesses and employers with our schools, The Cardiff Commitment works to equip young people with the right knowledge and skills they need to succeed. They are provided with experiences, information and advice on the exciting career prospects Cardiff has to offer which in turn helps employers to access a generation of young people who are informed, enthusiastic and excited to work in Cardiff, helping to grow sectors in the Capital Region." 

Anna McNally, Azure Cloud Specialist at Microsoft, said: "I'm so proud to be leading a women in tech event in our Microsoft Cardiff office alongside Cardiff commitment. 

"It is so important to inspire the youth of today and showcase what roles are available in technology, what free resources are available for them today and how they can aspire to work for a global tech company that's empowering the world to achieve more through technology." 

An event delivered in partnership with Cardiff Commitment and Microsoft will take place on International Women's Day 2023 (Wednesday 8 March) at Microsoft at Tramshed Tech where more than 40 female school pupils from Cardiff will be invited to hear from women speakers from the world of technology and science.  

This will launch a series of events hosted by The Cardiff Commitment involving primary and secondary schools, celebratingfemales working in technology and encourage girls into computer science. 

Activity will range from live face-to-face events in schools to online virtual talks. Anyone interested in taking part should contact cardiffcommitment@cardiff.gov.uk 

For more information about The Cardiff Commitment please visit:
Cardiff Commitment