By: Jhanae Winter

FEM STEM Bahamas is the newest non-profit organization focuses on providing Bahamian young girls, ages 14 - 18, with opportunities in science, technology, mathematics and engineering (STEM) fields.

Established in 2019, the organization’s goal is to empower, educate and develop fundamental career skills in young girls that will propel them locally and internationally in the world of STEM and the lessen the gender gap in the field. 

Tyrhonda Knowles - Glinton, said, “We are a fairly new organization but the benefits are endless, this includes participation in project-based activities that will allow them to become innovators and problem-solvers, exposure to career paths, recognition through our awards ceremony and media-related activities, networking and mentorship opportunities. It is our desire to also network with universities to offer STEM-based scholarships.”

The organization chooses to specify girls in its efforts because of the gender disparity in STEM fields. The Bahamas 2016 CEDAW report found that although girls are outperforming boys in academics, in subjects such as agriculture girls only represent 16% and only 6 out of 31 women received university degrees in Physics, Technology and Mathematics.

FEM STEM creates a comfortable and approachable environment to the various fields for young girls to explore their creativity.

“Our approach is to demystify STEM to make it more palatable for females, we have had a great response and interest from young girls in the programme,” Glinton said.

With learning there is always some fun. Young girls are able to get hands-on experience through activities such as workshops, seminars, conferences, summer camps, FSB club all year round. 

Since launching two years ago, the organization has had outstanding success with over 80 participants. Two of which were able to represent the Bahamas in the international arena. 

The first was a New York panel discussion for International Day of Girls in Science February 2020. The second occasion was at the Caribbean Girls Hackathon Competition in March 2021. These opportunities solidified the girls’ pursuit in STEM fields, Glinton said.

Other successful milestones include their STEM Career Webinar, STEM Video Competition and a recent 5-week Agri Waste to Biofuel Summer camp. 

“As a result of our club and summer camp, our members are currently regional finalists in the Caribbean Girls Hackathon, where they competed against 36 teams throughout the Caribbean region to create a docu-drama addressing improper waste management and its contribution to climate change,” Ginton told Bahamaslocal.com. 

FEM STEM also provides awards for their participants’ hard work and dedication within the year with their annual HONOREE AWARDS CEREMONY and STEM GEM awards “to recognize and reward high school girls who break stereotypes in STEM”, Glinton said.

This year FEM STEM will be awarding eight girls in December in honour of International STEM Day and also a well established Bahamian woman in STEM as a patron.

The future of STEM fields in the Bahamas cannot be overlooked. As conversations of climate change continue to be raised, because of its geographical location, the country is subjected to tropical storms and hurricanes. Beyond this, global disasters such as the Covid-19 pandemic all have shaken the country's tourism sector.  

Glinton believes more still needs to be done, to create a space for girls and women in The Bahamas and encourage STEM innovations to address these issues.

“Our country needs to develop and diversify a qualified workforce and innovative minds to combat and prepare our response to the climatic changes and economic challenges we may face in the future,” Glinton said.

With her organization, Glinton aims to prepare young girls and women for careers that can help fight for change to better The Bahamas and the world. 

Glinton sees FEM STEM evolving into a STEM hub: a research and resource center for all students and various organizations. 

In the near future, the public can anticipate a number of projects that include our Eco Chick Summer Camp scheduled for July 5th -16 2021, the official launch of our STEM Club and our 3rd Annual Awards Ceremony, Glinton told Bahamaslocal.com.