‘Girls Day’ is a nationwide programme that will see hundreds of companies across the country open their doors to young women and girls aged 10 to 15. The event will be officially opened by Minister for Education, Jet Bussemaker.

The programme, organised by the National Bureau of Expertise for Girls and Women in Science and Technology (VHTO), aims to increase the traditionally low participation of women in these sectors.

In its 16th year, over 8500 girls and 300 companies are expected to take part in events today. Companies involved have organised activities to give girls and young women first-hand experience of working in sectors such as science, engineering and ICT. These will range from laboratory experiments, creating an app for a website, or designing an innovative packaging solution. Mentors, both male and female, will be available to give guidance and answer any questions the young women might have.

“We are delighted to host the launch of Girls Day 2015. Getting more young women involved in the science and technology industries, and specifically in the manufacturing sector, is extremely important to us at Smurfit Kappa. It’s good for our company, for the industry and for the community,” said Jack Pieterson, Managing Director at Smurfit Kappa Zedek.