Her Moves x iWish: How Sport Builds Confidence for Girls in STEM

The Link Between Girls in Sport and Girls in STEM

iWish demonstrates that interest in both sport and STEM among girls is strong. However, participation is closely connected to the availability of supportive, flexible environments where girls feel confident trying something new.

Insights from iWish show that 68% of girls who play sport report higher confidence levels across STEM subjects, school life and speaking up in class. This highlights the important role sport plays in developing confidence, perseverance and engagement. These are key competencies that support sustained participation in education.

For many teenage girls, one of the biggest challenges is balancing school and sport. When the right supports are in place, sport does not compete with academic success. Instead, it strengthens it.

Confidence developed through sport transfers into classrooms, presentations, exams and everyday challenges.

Creating Environments Where Teenage Girls Can Thrive

Both Her Moves and iWish share a common goal. Creating environments where girls can thrive.

At iWish, the Her Moves activation was designed as a welcoming, energetic space where teenage girls could explore movement on their own terms. The focus was not on performance or competition. It was on participation, confidence and choice.

By bringing Her Moves into a national STEM setting, the initiative reinforced a simple but powerful message. Confidence built through sport supports wider school life, learning and personal development.

Creating supportive environments is key to increasing participation in both sport and STEM among girls.

Showcasing Pathways into Sport Across Ireland

The involvement of Irish Judo Association, Weightlifting Ireland, Rowing Ireland, Boxing Ireland, Canoeing Ireland and Tipperary Local Sports Partnership played a central role in the activation.

Their participation allowed girls’ sport programmes in Ireland to be showcased to a new audience outside traditional sporting settings. For many girls attending iWish, this was their first opportunity to interact directly with National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships in an accessible, low-pressure environment.

By meeting girls within a STEM focused space, these organisations demonstrated that sport can be flexible, inclusive and shaped around individual interests. Participation does not have to look one way.

Exposure matters. Representation matters. Accessible entry points into sport can make a lasting difference.

Why Confidence Matters in Sport and Education

Confidence is one of the strongest predictors of sustained participation in both sport and STEM.

When teenage girls feel supported to try new activities, whether in a coding workshop or a boxing session, they build belief in their ability to learn, improve and succeed.

This confidence encourages girls to speak up in class. It supports engagement in STEM subjects. It strengthens resilience. It helps girls manage the demands of school and extracurricular activities.

Her Moves exists to reduce dropout rates among teenage girls in sport. iWish exists to inspire girls to explore STEM pathways. Together, they show that confidence, choice and inclusive environments are foundational to both.

Supporting Girls to Find Something That Moves Them

The momentum created at iWish extends beyond one event.

By continuing to collaborate with schools, National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships, Sport Ireland’s Her Moves initiative aims to ensure girls across Ireland can access movement opportunities that work for them.

Whether in sport, STEM or everyday school life, the right environment can help girls build confidence and discover new possibilities.

Because when girls are supported to explore on their own terms, they do not just participate.

They thrive.

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