On Ada Lovelace Day, Women in Technology and Science (WITS) Ireland celebrated its 35th anniversary. It was a great event, marking WITS’ passionate work inspiring public policy, academia, and industry, advancing women in STEM. The gathering set the stage for an evening of achievements, reflections, and stories that continue to inspire future generations.
It was held at the Museum of Literature in Dublin and hosted former WITS chairs, long-term supporters, volunteers, STEM students, professionals, journalists, as well as Ireland’s Minister for Education and Youth, Helen McEntee. The Museum turned into an exhibition space, as WITS' 35-year archive also launched the same evening with a special curation by Dr Jennifer Keenahan, Associate Professor at UCD and the deputy chair of WITS.
As WITS’ Recruitment Partner, we, as Nicoll Curtin, were proud to support the celebration and WITS’ ongoing commitment to empowering women in STEM.
The exhibition to preserve WITS’ Legacy
The exhibition showcased key moments from WITS’ history – spanning advocacy, research, publications, and community initiatives.
Dr Keenahan explained that the project uncovered a wealth of significant work that risked being lost over time “WITS has always been a voluntary organisation, and as roles passed from person to person over the years, materials such as agendas, minutes, photos, and memorabilia were stored in different places. The archive project is bringing these together to ensure they are preserved for future research and scholarship.” After the exhibition, the material will be part of the UCD archives.
Inspiring the next generations of women in STEM and technology
WITS Chair, Jean O’Donnell, welcomed the guests and, in her speech, reflected on the organisation’s beginnings in 1990, founded by Mary Mulvihill, a pioneering scientist, broadcaster, and author. What started as a ten-year project has become a lasting movement, and today, the organisation continues to champion women and young learners pursuing STEM careers.
O’Donnell spoke about the ongoing need for this mission, highlighting the importance of closing the “dream gap” via mentorship. “Research shows that by age five, girls start believing they are less valuable, and by seven, they think boys are smarter. And by this point, they seriously doubt their abilities, which creates the dream gap,” she said. “There’s a lack of role models. You have to see it to be it, which is why mentoring is so important.”
”In 2025, every job is a STEM job”, said O’Donnell, highlighting that STEM now touches every part of the economy, with science and technology shaping nearly every career path. It was a powerful reminder that the initiative's work remains as relevant today as it was at its founding.
Collaboration that drives change in Ireland
Minister for Education and Youth, Helen McEntee, commended the organisation’s evolution from an advocacy group into an influential voice driving equity in the field. “Women, who make up half of the population, must be front and centre in shaping Ireland’s future through technology and innovation,” she emphasised.
She talked about the importance of collaboration between government, industry, and organisations like WITS, sharing how initiatives such as the STEM Passport for Inclusion and the new national STEM curriculum are helping more girls engage with scientific subjects from an early age. “We launched the first curriculum in 1999, focusing on STEM learning,” Helen McEntee said. “All of it is aimed at developing STEM literacy. It’s not only about diversity but also about economic development and the future of the country.”
The Minister of Education and Youth also spoke about the need for more inclusive leadership and stronger male allyship, addressing confidence, visibility, and skills gaps that continue to hold women back. Her message reinforced how progress in science, technology, engineering, and maths relies not only on access and education, but on collective responsibility and cultural change.
It was fantastic to co-host this event. We are honoured to be the first Recruitment Partner for WITS Ireland. As a global recruitment company working with organisations across technology and financial services, we recognise the importance of supporting female professionals in STEM and the positive impact this has on the wider community. We are proud to sponsor this event and to stand alongside a community that has shaped policy, inspired progress, and created meaningful connections for women in STEM in Ireland for over three decades.
A heartfelt thank you to Jean O’Donnell, Dr Jennifer Keenahan, Clíona Burke from WITS Ireland, and everyone who made this celebration so special.