By Matt Maura
Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Frankie A. Campbell, applauded the organizers of the ministry’s second annual Girls in Science Video Competition for the role they are playing in potentially helping to guide more Bahamians girls into the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).
The 2020 Video Competition was a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development, its Department of Gender and Family Affairs, Urban Renewal Commission and FEM STEM, a female Non-governmental Organization (NGO) that promotes young women in the sciences. FEM STEM was founded and is headed by Mrs. Thyronda Glinton. The initial competition was launched in 2019.
“It would be remiss of me not to single out Mrs. Glinton, a dynamic leader, whom I understand is also the product of a similar initiative. Mrs. Glinton, I thank you for paying it forward,” Minister Campbell added.
The video competition is part of the ministry’s overall strategy to promote greater social development across The Bahamas, while also promoting gender equity and equality for women and girls. STEM-related jobs, largely dominated by men, are among the highest-paying jobs globally. Average annual national salaries in the Developed World for all STEM careers stood at $87,500 in 2017 as compared to the average salary of $45,700 for all non STEM-related jobs.
A sampling of average annual salaries globally in STEM-related fields was as follows: Mathematics/Statistician ($84,760); Computer Systems Analyst ($88,270); Civil Engineer ($84,770), Environmental Engineer ($86,860) and Software Developer ($103,560) just to name a few.
Officials say when women are able to take on higher-paying jobs, it has a positive impact on the social/economic development of countries, families and communities as those women are then able to lead their lives with greater dignity and freedom, while adding to their self-esteem and self-confidence, in addition to giving them a distinct identity of their own.
Addressing the Ministry’s Girls in Science Awards Ceremony held in the Ballroom, Government House, Mount Fitzwilliam, Minister Campbell said according to data from the United Nation’s Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) only around 30 per cent of all female higher education students globally selected STEM-related fields.
The data, Minister Campbell continued, also indicated that female enrolment in the natural sciences, mathematics and statistics was at 5 per cent and in engineering, manufacturing and construction, the figure stood at 8 per cent. Female students’ enrolment in ICT was “particularly low” at 3 per cent.
“This gathering this afternoon is a testament to the tenacity and bravery of our girls who are willing to move beyond stereotypes and close the gender gap. There is no reason why more girls should not be in the sciences if they choose that field.”
Minister Campbell told officials, participants and family members attending the Awards Ceremony that the Video Competition allowed organizers to meet at least two of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), 2030, whilst facilitating greater interest in STEM among female students across The Bahamas.
“In 2015, world leaders agreed to the Sustainable Development Goals. Goal Five is to: ‘Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls’ while Goal Nine is to: “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.’
“The Bahamas, along with other countries, pledged to meet these Goals, or at last make progress towards achieving them,” Minister Campbell said. “I have no doubt that you would agree that science and gender equality are both vital for the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Frankie A. Campbell addressing the Girls in Science Awards Ceremony held at Government House, Mount Fitzwilliam.
(BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)
