
Ministers become new mentors for SistersIN future female leaders
Ministers to become SistersIN mentors to inspire future female leaders.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly are set to become mentors as part of the SistersIN Leadership Programme.
Speaking at the SistersIN celebration event at ICC Belfast, the Ministers congratulated all the participants from the Female Leadership programme involving almost 700 girls from 51 local schools.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “This is such a positive event, recognising the amazing achievements of all the participants, connected by a shared determination to fulfil their potential and support each other along the way."
“I have been so impressed by the range of projects taken forward by the student leaders and I’m extremely excited to get involved and become a mentor."
I look forward to working with you, learning from you and being part of this great programme.
The SistersIN all-female leadership program is an inspiring initiative designed to empower and motivate the next generation of female leaders. By combining leadership training in schools with mentorship from senior female leaders across Northern Ireland, SistersIN offers invaluable guidance, insight, and support to young women.
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: “I want to encourage all girls to step forward, achieve and flourish."
SistersIN can give the skills to grow confidence, do amazing things and make a real difference.
“I am really looking forward to being part of the mentoring programme and to help provide any support and guidance I can."
“It is important for us as leaders to help create the environment that supports young women to pursue any career, including those in fields that may have once seemed out of reach.”
Rob McConnell, Chief Executive, ICC Belfast said: "At ICC Belfast, we believe in big ambitions and even bigger achievements. Becoming a founding partner of SistersIN perfectly reflects our vision of creating a world-class stage where people make great things happen."
"It was an honour to welcome First Minister, Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly to the SistersIN Celebration Event 2025. Their announcement that they will both serve as mentors in next year’s programme is incredibly exciting.
The influence their involvement will have - not just on the next cohort of participants but on the future of SistersIN as a whole - will be truly transformational.