The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

When it comes to educating and believing in girls, the world has made many positive strides in recent years. However, there are still some who think that the traditional STEM disciplines – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – are better suited to boys.

Well, Tyrhonda Glinton is here to correct that misconception. With her FEM STEM Bahamas nonprofit organisation, she has been hard at work empowering, encouraging and educating Bahamian girls ages 13 to 18 about the opportunities associated with STEM.

Recently, she, along with four young women in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics – Shabrea Davis, Paige Rahming, Olga Roussos and Tyler Knowles – got the opportunity to attend and participate in the fifth annual International Day of Women and Girls in Science panel discussion in New York City.

This United Nations’ sponsored assembly brought together a myriad of stakeholders, from high-level government officials to representatives of international organisations, foundations, the private sector, civil society as well as women and girls in science from around the world.

Ms Glinton said their delegation was perfectly chosen for the event. Paige Rahming is an Engineering major at the University of the Bahamas; Tyler Knowles is a Bio Chemistry major, while Shabrea Davis and Olga Roussos represented the Department of Gender and Family Affairs.

“There were four panel areas that were addressed during this panel discussion. Olga Roussos presented on the topic ‘Agricultural Science and Technology’ and how Bahamian female farmers can incorporate technology for sustainable farming. I presented on the importance of STEM and STEM programmes in the Bahamas. And also accompanying the delegation, was Carol Roach, the acting director of Digitisation and Transformation, who presented on equality in science, technology and innovation: Global trends and challenges in the Bahamas,” she said.

“The Girls in Science participation in the main panel allowed their voices to be more pronounced internationally and heard by policy-makers and decision-makers from around the world.”

Ms Glinton added that the panels – recognising the interplay and interdependence between science, technology and the digital economy for inclusive and green economic growth – delivered evidence-based green and inclusive solutions that meet the needs of countries implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda.”

Now back in the Bahamas, she said FEM STEM will continue to carry out its mission to empower girls and women.

Last December, the organisation, in conjunction with the Ministry of Social Services and Department of Family and Gender Affairs, hosted the first annual STEM Gem Awards Ceremony which honoured eight girls who excelled in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.