Jamaica Leading the Way in Encouraging Male Participation in Science and Technology
In a world where efforts are being made to increase female representation in science and technology, Jamaica is taking a different approach by focusing on persuading more males to consider careers in these areas. Leading the charge is the Scientific Research Council (SRC) in Kingston, under the guidance of Dr. Charah Watson, its executive director.
Dr. Watson explained, “Globally, there is an unequal number of women pursuing traditional science careers. However, in Jamaica, we have a larger number of women pursuing STEM careers. So, we have to be mindful of this and develop more programmes around this.”
While the SRC previously focused on encouraging girls to pursue science, the organization is now shifting its focus to include more initiatives that cater to young men. Dr. Watson emphasized the importance of ensuring that both boys and girls have equal opportunities in the field of science and technology.
One of the initiatives introduced by the SRC to encourage more young men to pursue STEM education is the revamped Next Gen Science Programme. This externship programme, initially developed to support young women, now aims to provide opportunities for both genders to interact with STEM institutions.
Additionally, the SRC offers programs like the Young Inventors and Innovators Competition and the Conversation in Science series, which are beneficial to both young men and women interested in science and technology.
Dr. Watson believes that by implementing more gender-neutral programs, Jamaica will not only achieve a balance in female-male participation in STEM fields but also boost innovation in the country. She emphasized the importance of embracing innovation for the nation’s prosperity and global competitiveness.
The SRC is committed to breaking down barriers for both young men and women in the science and technology field, starting from the early-childhood level. Dr. Watson affirmed the organization’s dedication to fostering innovation and creating a more inclusive environment for all aspiring scientists and technologists in Jamaica.