Having attended numerous events dedicated to women in technology, each one leaves me inspired and more informed, writes Jill Johnston, head of IT contract recruitment at Belfast-based MCS Group.
This year’s women in tech conference ran by Women In Business NI with headline sponsor MCS Group, was no different, with impactful discussions on key themes.
Women In Tech NI Conference 2025: Three key themes
Three themes in particular defined my conference, where the inspiring line-up of speakers ranged from Microsoft UK’s Cheryl McIntyre and Ulster University’s AI Collaboration Centre to cybersecurity firm Rapid 7 and leadership comms consultancy Bespoke Communications.
My three standout themes of the day were:
- Why Inclusion Matters
- Attracting and Retaining Female Talent in Tech, and
- AI for Good.
Five takeaways from WIT NI Conference 2025 highlighting the women in tech landscape
While we’re dealing in numbers and related to this trio, here are my top five takeaways from the conference, which was this year held at Titanic Belfast on Friday February 7th 2025.
I’ve chosen these five – here and exclusively for Women In Tech – because they best highlight the evolving landscape for women technologists.
1. Creating a truly supportive tech ecosystem for women
While initiatives to attract women into the tech industry are important, the real challenge lies in retention.
It’s crucial to create a supportive workplace culture that accommodates the various stages of life that women navigate, such as maternity, caregiving responsibilities, and menopause.
Firms, don't stop at hiring practices
To retain talent, companies need to go beyond hiring practices and focus on long-term support.
By offering flexible working arrangements and hybrid work options, organisations can help women balance successful IT or computing careers with fulfilling personal lives.
A choice we shouldn’t be forcing women to make
When support systems are in place, women in tech don’t have to choose between their careers and home responsibilities — they can have both.
MCS Group managing director, Mairead Scott, shared her insights on the recruitment market alongside Deena Robinson (of EOS IT Solutions), Diana Atchison (of Belfast Met), and Catherine McCourt (Aflac), in a discussion on the crucial topic of building supportive pathways for women to thrive and remain in tech.
2. The urgent need for improved childcare support
Progress is slow when it comes to addressing the high costs of childcare.
Just a year ago, the WomenintechNI conference 2024 highlighted the need for better childcare support, specifically in Northern Ireland.
Welcome subsidies don't cut it for new mums
Sadly, despite government subsidies, the rising costs are still making it increasingly difficult for many women to stay in the workforce.
This is especially true for women in tech, where the balance of family life and career can feel overwhelming.
As an industry, we must push for change so companies and governments collaborate to ensure that new mothers can return to work without the financial strain of childcare costs.
3. Ensuring safety and ethical use of AI technology
With the rapid rise of AI and tech advancements, we must be vigilant about the potential risks posed to vulnerable populations, particularly women.
Everyday technology like home CCTV systems and AI-generated content can be misused for surveillance or harassment. For example, AI technology has the potential to create harmful content for blackmail or humiliation.
Women's representation in AI leadership roles is a must
It’s critical that women are represented in leadership roles within the AI sector to help shape policies that prioritise safety, ethics, and the protection of individuals, especially vulnerable women.
4. The vital role of male allies in driving change for women in tech
At conference, I observed a sense of camaraderie among the women in attendance; networking, sharing experiences, and supporting one another.
However, to drive lasting change, we need to bring male allies into the conversation.
WomenintechNI conference 2026: Males, kindly RSVP…
Men in tech must attend these events, understand the challenges women face, and help influence change within their own workplaces.
True equality in tech will only be achieved when both men and women work together to address the systemic barriers that still exist.
5. A powerful reminder: inclusion beyond diversity
One of conference’s most impactful quotes I heard came from Lorna McAdoo, group director for Environment, Social & Governance (ESG), at digital-business transformation firm Version 1.
During her session “Why Inclusion Matters,” McAdoo said:
“Diversity is being invited to the party. Inclusion is being asked to dance while you’re there.”
This unique D&I quote resonates with me.
It underscores the importance of not only attracting women to the tech industry but also ensuring that they are fully integrated into the work culture.
It’s about creating an environment where everyone regardless of gender feels valued, heard, and empowered to contribute to their fullest potential.
(My own) Conference Close
The Women in Tech Conference 2025 reinforced the need – to me and others in the room – for continued progress on issues such as:
- Workplace retention and long-term support;
- Improving childcare and financial support for mothers;
- AI ethics, and women taking on AI/tech leadership roles.
As our specialist recruitment consultancy continues to foster an environment of inclusion, my team and I will empower women to thrive in their IT careers while assisting them to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Our role in championing the temporary market’s women technologists…
And as MCS Group’s head of IT contracts, I am especially passionate about driving diversity and inclusion within the tech industry’s temporary, freelance and non-permanent ranks.
For further insights from me, the latest on the tech job market’s rates and roles, or to get involved with some other events that will empower women in tech, please contact me for a chat.
Jill Johnston
Jill Johnston, head of IT contracts at MCS Group, has recruited heavily within the software space since 2016. Jill takes great pride in being named a finalist at the 2022 Global Recruiter Awards for Best Contract Recruiter. With a focus on building solid partnerships with both clients and contractors, Jill has successfully built project teams of contract specialists for companies ranging from tech start-ups to global fintech giants. Jill has a master’s degree in science, and a bachelor’s degree in French and Spanish studies, both from Queen’s University Belfast.
