FEM STEM Bahamas founder, Tyrhonda Glinton in conjunction with The Department of Gender and Family Affairs recognized and rewarded girls who excel in science, technology, engineering and mathematics at Fusion Superplex. On 11 February 2020, the United Nations, partners worldwide, women and girls will mark the International Day of Women and Girl in Science under the theme: 'Investment in Women and Girls in Science for Inclusive Green Growth.' In honor of this day and to debunk the myth that girls do not like sciences. FEM STEM Bahamas decided to host this "STEM GEM" Awards HONOREE AWARDS CEREMONY to recognize and reward high school girls who break stereotypes in the STEM field. Fifty girls throughout The Bahamas were nominated, 8 were chosen by a selection committee who also consisted of a cross section of women in the STEM field. These 8 STEM GEMS eight honorees were: Garryn Scott, Jalecia Williams, Nadege Charlton, Olga Roussos, Shabrea Davis, Shawna Smith, Trinity Huyler and Tabitha Saunders.
FEM STEM BAHAMAS is a newly formed nonprofit organization founded in The Bahamas in July 2019. Its mission is to expose, educate and empower girls to explore the opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The objectives of this organization is to organize year-round initiatives and programs exposing high school girls between the ages of 13-18 to the field. The first initiative was the 1st Annual “STEM GEM” Awards Ceremony. During the ceremony host the honorees were presented with gifts and trophies sponsored by Custom Computers, IBS and The Ministry of Youth.
During the ceremony key note speaker Zena Hutchinson, Queens College Primary School Information Technology teacher gave five key tips for girls in STEM. The first being to stay focused on the area of choice and last note was to be careful of their digital footprint as college recruiters and human resource use social media to assess their actions. At the end she chanted with the honorees "STEM Gem, Girl Power times Ten"
Dr. Karen St. Cyr, Education Director Project Empower during her remarks outlined the importance of STEM to social, environmental and financial progress of The Bahamas and the world. She implored leadership to invest in these fields and encouraged and congratulated the honorees and nominees in attendance to continue to pursue the studies in STEM and make an impact in The Bahamas and the world.
Tyrhonda Glinton, Founder of FEM STEM Bahamas during her speech said: “As a woman in STEM, who love for technology blossomed during my early adolescent years, I am a product of the investment of an after school program that catered to my interest outside of the school environment.” Further she stated: “Skills in STEM drive innovation and are critical to achieving the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Women and Girls are vital all in these areas yet they remain underrepresented. Although statistically, the regional average for Caribbean and Latin America of 45.5% is notably higher than the global standard. There is still work to be done to improve the level of interest of girls in STEM in The Bahamas.”
According to the Department of Statistics 2012 Socio-Economic Report of the 36 graduates who received degrees in Science, Technology and Mathematics at The University of The Bahamas only 11 of them were female. It is with this premise that FEM STEM Bahamas was founded.”
Mrs. Glinton outlined that this event is just the first part of a two part event that will be concluded on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11th 2020. She shared with the audience that the Royal Academy of Science International Trust has accepted their application to join them at The United Nations Forum slated for February 11 th and 12 th 2019 at United Nations Head Quarters in New York. Although this event is two short months away she encourage the honorees to embrace this opportunity as it will allow The Bahamas to be part of the main panel, so their voices will be more pronounced internationally, and can be heard by policy-makers and decision-makers from around the world.
Mrs. Patricia Minnis, wife of The Prime Minister of The Bahamas said she felt invigorated after attending the ceremony, she highlighted the importance of mentorship organizations and is pleased that Mrs. Glinton is a part of the Women and Girls Mentoring Coalition. She urged the girls to also become mentors and to give back to their community.
Tabitha Saunders student of Anatol Rodgers gave remarks on behalf of the honorees, she urged the honorees to remain steadfast through the hours of studying calculus and chemistry. As this will help propel them in their future goals and aspirations. She expounded by saying that as a girl who love engineering she often receives negative comments when she share her career aspirations. However, she will not be deterred and thanked the organizer for rewarding them.
Also in attendance Mrs. Mavis Collie, URCA's Corporate and Consumer Relations Manager and Dr. Giavana Jones Director of Programmes Lyford Cay Foundation, Inc. congratulated Mrs. Glinton for a job well done.
Fem STEM Bahamas organizer thanked the sponsors Ministry of Social Services, Department of Family Affairs for sponsoring the venue and lunch for the honorees and attendees, Custom Computers, IBS, Ministry of Youth, Mojos Dollhouse, Tracy Johnson of Thoughtful Touches and Creative Pixels for the gifts and trophies. Additionally Urban Renewal staff and band for participating in the event.
