Organisations across Northern Ireland invited to register now for Empower Girls 2027
The award-winning Empower Girls event is back.
On Tuesday 20 April 2027, hundreds of Year 8 girls from across Northern Ireland will gather at ICC Belfast for the fourth annual Empower Girls event, jointly delivered by Aflac Northern Ireland and TechFirst, the UK Government's technology skills programme
What started as a bold idea to show young girls the opportunities available in technology and cyber security has grown into one of Northern Ireland's largest and most impactful initiatives focused on inspiring the next generation of female talent.
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At the heart of the programme is a simple belief: If you can see it, you can be it.
Since launching in 2024, Empower Girls has welcomed 1,550 girls, partnered with 33 schools, engaged 83 organisations, involved more than 620 industry participants, and connected schools, industry, education and government around one shared goal: helping more young women see a future for themselves in technology.
Each year, Empower Girls has become bigger, bolder and more impactful. Now organisers are preparing for their biggest event yet.
Empower Girls brings technology careers to life through hands-on activities, interactive demonstrations, inspiring role models and direct engagement with some of the organisations shaping Northern Ireland's digital future. Students have the chance to explore everything from software engineering and artificial intelligence to cyber security, data, cloud technology, digital innovation and frontier technologies.
The event is designed specifically for girls aged 11 to 12, a key stage where perceptions about careers are often formed long before subject choices begin.
"Cyber security is often talked about as a skills gap or workforce challenge. I see it as a people opportunity. The future of our industry depends on helping more young women see themselves in technology and cyber security. That's exactly what Empower Girls is all about."
Tera Ladner, Senior Vice President and Global Chief Information Security Officer, Aflac
“What makes Empower Girls special is seeing young women discover opportunities they didn't know existed. Every year we watch confidence grow, curiosity spark and ambitions take shape. What started as a small idea has become an award-winning
movement, and that's only possible because schools, industry and communities across Northern Ireland continue to get behind it. We want 2027 to be our biggest year yet and inspire even more young women to see themselves in technology.”
Tom Trainor, Vice President, Head of Cyber Security, Aflac Northern Ireland
Despite significant progress across the sector, women remain underrepresented in technology and cyber security careers. Women make up just 17% of the UK cyber security workforce and only 12% of senior cyber security positions, according to the UK Government's Cyber Security Skills in the UK Labour Market 2025 report. Empower Girls exists to help change that by building confidence, challenging stereotypes and helping more young women see themselves in technology.
Empower Girls is delivered in partnership by Aflac Northern Ireland and TechFirst, the UK Government's flagship technology skills programme, helping young people build technology skills, explore future careers and access opportunities across the technology sector.
“Empower Girls is about helping young women see the exciting opportunities that exist across the technology sector and recognise that they can have a place within it. That’s why events like this are so important, giving young people the confidence, skills and inspiration to explore future careers in tech.”
Sara Lyons, TechFirst NI Programme Manager
The growth of Empower Girls over the last four years demonstrates the demand for this type of initiative.
For many students, Empower Girls is their first opportunity to meet technology professionals, try hands-on activities and discover pathways they may never have previously considered.
“Empower Girls has become a highlight of our school year. It gives our students the chance to meet inspiring role models, try new things and see first-hand the opportunities available in technology. The impact lasts long after the event itself.”
Aoife Magee, St. Louise's Comprehensive College
For employers, it provides a unique opportunity to invest in the future talent pipeline, engage directly with local communities and help inspire the next generation of innovators, engineers, developers and cyber security professionals.
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Registration now open for organisations
Organisers are calling on organisations, universities and community groups from across Northern Ireland to get involved to help make Empower Girls 2027 the biggest and most impactful event to date.
Participating organisations can take part in the Interactive Zone, our expo-style experience where students can explore innovative technology, meet industry professionals and hear first-hand about career journeys. Organisations can also deliver hands-on activities in the Demo Zone, helping bring technology to life while showcasing the wide range of opportunities available across the sector.
Register your organisation today, contact TechFirst@belfastmet.ac.uk
Get involved, join the movement today. Together, we can inspire the next generation of women in technology.
For more information on the event please contact TechFirst@belfastmet.ac.uk
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