Initiatives such as the United Nations’ International Day of Women and Girls in Science – observed on 11 Feb. – aim to continue inspiring girls and support their progression in STEM careers.
The need for more women in STEM — science, technology, engineering and mathematics — has been a topical objective for many countries and organisations that strive to reduce the gender gap in STEM-based fields.
Locally, programmes such as the annual Minds Inspired FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), taking place at the Camana Bay Arts and Recreation Centre on 22 Feb., aim to do the same by igniting the "STEM spark" for students through robotics.
Putting the gears in motion
One such spark unexpectedly grew a flame for Daeniell Pink four years ago when a friend invited her to join the robotics club, which participates in FTC.
“I said yes originally in support of him, but I ended up becoming totally hooked," she said. "The first time that I saw something we created together functioning in the way that we designed it to, [it] opened a whole new world for me."
Representatives from various schools are selected to form the Cayman Islands National Robotics Team and compete at the FIRST Global Challenge — most recently held in Athens, Greece. Pink earned herself a spot on the 2024 team.
“That entire experience was a true eye-opener, and it showed me in person how robotics can connect people from anywhere to solve global problems like food security [the FIRST Global theme in 2024]," she said.
This robotics journey has persuaded Pink to pursue a degree in computer engineering in the future.
The Jr. Robotics programme — another Minds Inspired STEM initiative recently launched for middle school students — is scheduled to have its own interschool tournament with the finals also taking place during FTC.
Newcomer Alyssa Weeks recently had her robotics interest sparked through this the junior programme.
“The aspects of robotics that I enjoy the most are coding and operating because they allow me to use my critical thinking skills,” said Weeks. “I get to create a code and see how the robot responds to it, and then I get to update and fix my code via trial and error. It’s fun."
Passing the baton
Guta Moura, a robotics teacher at Cayman International School and leader of the school’s FTC team, says initiatives like FIRST Tech Challenge and Jr. Robotics are incredibly impactful for the next generation.
“Programmes that show girls what STEM is about are very important," Moura said.
“Getting more women into STEM is not just about having equal numbers; it’s about bringing different ideas and ways of thinking to solve problems. Women can offer new perspectives, which can lead to better and more inclusive solutions.”
This article was first published in the February/March 2025 print edition of Camana Bay Times.
