The world needs science, and science needs women

THE Caribbean’s development is intrinsically linked to science, technology,and innovation, and it is vital that women play a significant role in this arena. Recognising the urgent need for gender equality in the field of science, for 25 years the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science programmes have championed the remarkable achievements of women scientists worldwide. In the Caribbean region, the launch last week of Young Talents Caribbean Region L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science covers 24 islands in the region, and has emerged as a collaborative effort between L’Oréal Caribe, the UNESCO Office for the Caribbean, and the Caribbean Academy of Sciences (CAS). All are seeking to connect the dots between Caribbean development challenges, scientific research, and women empowerment.

“At L’Oréal Caribe we wish to contribute to promoting science among the youngest and future generations of the Caribbean. We are seeking remarkable young talents for their excellence of their careers that serve as role models, to inspire the younger generations and contribute to strengthening the presence of women in the world of science,” said Gilles Delaunay, general manager, L’Oréal Caribe.

This groundbreaking initiative was presented to the public, the Caribbean scientific community, and to women scientists during an official kick-off ceremony at The University of the West Indies (UWI). This ceremony showcased how the programme aims to empower and support young women’s participation in scientific research with a firm commitment to fostering gender equality in academia, and the Caribbean research and development landscape.

“I am very proud of the strong partnership between L’Oréal Caribe, the Caribbean Academy of Sciences and the UNESCO Office for the Caribbean, which enables us to act together for more Caribbean women in science, fostering their growth and impact in science leadership” said Dr Anna Paolini, director and representative, UNESCO Office for the Caribbean.

The Young Talents Caribbean Region L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science programme was established to recognise and reward exceptional young female researchers across various scientific disciplines, including life and environmental sciences, material sciences, mathematics, computer and information sciences, engineering sciences and technology.

This year edition presents two endowments awarded in the fall of 2023, to selected young, talented researchers currently in doctoral, post-doctoral studies or in early stage of their scientific research career. The jury of this L’Oréal-UNESCO Young Talents Caribbean for Women in Science programme will be constituted by the CAS.

“It is a great step forward in extracting the scientific talents of our Caribbean women, and we hope that their research is innovative, creative, and well-published. I wish each applicant success. It’s another milestone for UNESCO, L’Oréal, and CAS,” said Professor Raymond Jagessar, president of the CAS.

During the event a panel was held, with the topic: ‘Breaking Barriers for Women in Caribbean Science, Technology, and Innovation’, led by four Caribbean women who have made important contributions in science — Professor Marcia Roye, UWI lecturer and first Jamaican to receive a L’Oréal-UNESCO fellowship; Dr Marvadeen Singh-Wilmot, UWI lecturer in inorganic chemistry and crystallography; Anetta Gordon, PhD candidate in biochemistry, UWI; and Desireina Delancy, PhD candidate in virology, UWI.

A generation of researchers synonymous with hope

The need for the programme becomes apparent when we confront the persisting inequalities and the existence of a glass ceiling within the realm of academic research. Only 18 per cent of senior academic positions in science are currently occupied by women, signalling the urgent need for proactive measures to break down these barriers. Furthermore, on a global scale, only four per cent of women have been honoured with Nobel Prizes in science, emphasising the stark gender imbalance that continues to prevail within the scientific community.

The programme represents a significant step forward in this direction, embodying a resolute commitment to amplifying the voices and achievements of women in science in the Caribbean region. Check out www.forwomeninscience.com for more.