Almost 800 students from 60 schools across Northern Ireland gathered at ICC Belfast to celebrate the completion of the 2025-2026 SistersIN programme at its annual celebration event.
SistersIN is a pioneering leadership and mentoring programme that aims to empower, educate, and inspire young women in Northern Ireland by pairing them with mentors from across business, public life, and the community. The locally founded initiative has grown rapidly since its inception in 2022, providing over 2,000 female students to date with the skills, confidence, and networks needed to fulfil their potential and take up leadership roles in the future.
The event brought together students, mentors, teachers and supporters to celebrate the achievements of this year’s participants and the wider impact of the programme across Northern Ireland. The annual celebration recognises all those involved, highlighting the positive influence of mentoring while showcasing the confidence, growth and accomplishments of the remarkable young women who have completed the programme.
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Speaking at the event, Peter Dobbin, SistersIN Founder and Chairman said, “The SistersIN celebration event is one of the highlights of our year. It is an opportunity to recognise the dedication and commitment of our mentors and teachers, and most importantly to celebrate the incredible young women who have taken part in the programme.
“Seeing the confidence, ambition and leadership they have developed over the past year is truly inspiring, and we are proud to support them as they take the next steps in their journey.”
The event included SistersIN partner panels, where speakers shared insights from their own career journeys and reminded those present that taking part in SistersIN is the beginning of their own. Fellow students were invited onto the panels to discuss their experience, and student keynote speakers addressed the impact of the programme.
The celebration also featured inspiring keynote addresses from Judith Gillespie CBE, former Deputy Chief Constable of PSNI, as well as First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “It is inspiring to see so many young women coming together to celebrate their achievements through the SistersIN programme.
“I have really enjoyed being a mentor in this year’s programme, seeing first-hand how this initiative is helping to build the confidence, ambition and leadership skills of the mentees, while opening up opportunities that will support them in the years ahead.
“By investing in our young people, we are helping to create a more inclusive future where every young woman can realise their full potential.”
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: “The SistersIN programme is such a fantastic opportunity for young women to build their skills, grow in confidence and feel empowered to become the next generation of female leaders.
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“It has been a genuine privilege to be a mentor to Sophie as part of this year’s programme, and one I’ve found as equally rewarding.
“Mentorship is one of the most impactful investments we can make. When we take the time to listen, encourage, and guide, we help young women recognise their potential and see what they can become.”
If you are a school, organisation or potential mentor interested in finding out more about the SistersIN programme and how to get involved in 2026, visit www.sisters-in.org/get-involved or contact info@sisters-in.org
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