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In what will be a national first, STEMGuyana is sending an all-female robotics team to compete at the prestigious 2023 First Global Robotics Challenge (FGC) in Singapore this October.
Guyana will be represented by Ariel Taylor, Italy Ton-Chung, Lateisha McArthur, and sisters, Xaria Holder and T’Sehai Holder. This year’s Robotics Challenge promises to be a showcase of cutting-edge robotics and a testament to the transformative power of diversity and inclusion within the STEM fields.
Where global research shows STEM disciplines are associated with men and there are negative opinions of women in “masculine” careers, Ariel, Xaria, Italy, Leteisha and T’Sehai are among those women defying negative perceptions and smashing glass ceilings. The inspiring team of exceptional young ladies will be presented the opportunity to showcase their talent, innovation, and determination on a global platform, highlighting their invaluable contributions to the STEM fields within Guyana.
They will be among participants from over 180 countries, and their presence will symbolise the significant role girls continue to play in advancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) within the nation. The ladies are not only talented in STEM, and integral to the development of STEMGuyana, but also possess other talents and competencies.
Italy is a second-year Team Guyana member, a national Chess player, the voice of “Robin the Robot” on Guyana’s sole technology TV show, and a STEM club leader.
Ariel is a third-year Team Guyana veteran and has been an integral part of STEMGuyana since its inception.
T’Sehai is a second-year Team Guyana members and club leader at the New Sports Hall STEM club at Camp Street.
Lateisha is a founding member of the Queens College STEM club and a second-year Team Guyana member, and
Xaria, a second-year Team Guyana member, is a club leader at the New Sports Hall STEM club, Camp Street.
According to the World Bank Data on Guyana, the percentage of female population is 49.67% compared to 50.33% male. Yet women are under-represented in many spheres of societal leadership and involvement. The presence of the all-female team is therefore not only historic and acknowledgment of women equality under the laws of Guyana and representation in population, but also highlights how STEMGuyana’s work contributes to the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Goal 5 of the SDGs sets out to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls by 2030.
The UN proclaims, “Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.”
The five are looking forward to putting theirs and Guyana’s name on the map by having the world witness the awe-inspiring innovations and collaborative spirit of Guyana’s all-female national team.
In a country, generally seen as polarised by political rivalry and ethnicity, this is a rare moment when Guyanese stand united in celebrating the team’s accomplishments and their dedication to propelling the nation forward in the world of science and technology.
Duke Lodge Hotel has sponsored the team’s STEM Lab where the young people are building their competition robot. STEMGuyana is encouraging others to provide similar support by contributing to the expenses associated with travel to Singapore.
Contact could be made via email stemguyana@gmail.com or telephone # 592-616-4454.
