News Releases

Empowering Women to Lead and Innovate in Data Science

For Release Upon Receipt - April 23, 2024

St. Augustine


St. Augustine, April 23, 2024 – Recognizing the crucial role of women in driving innovation and progress in the field of data science, The University of the West Indies (The UWI) St. Augustine (STA) Campus, in collaboration with Women in Data Science Trinidad and Tobago (WIDSTT) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), hosted a forum on March 15, 2024 to acknowledge and celebrate the invaluable contributions of women in the field of data science. The event "Empowering Women to Harness the Power of Data: Inspiring Inclusion," was aimed at highlighting the pivotal role played by women in driving innovation, tackling complex challenges, and advancing progress using data-driven insights.

 Timed to coincide with International Women's Day on March 8, 2024, the event underscored the importance of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of women in STEM fields, particularly within the domain of Data Science.  Data science has become increasingly important in a world where vast amounts of information are generated daily. However, globally, women are underrepresented in many areas within the STEM fields, including data science. According to a UNESCO Science Report, women account for only 33% of researchers worldwide and in data science, this figure drops to between 15% and 22% in several organizations.

 In extolling the importance of women in data science, Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal, The UWI, St. Augustine emphasized, “it is not simply about diversity but about building a more objective and inclusive field. Data science is about solving real-world problems by analyzing data, extracting meaningful insights from it, and visually presenting it to tell a story. As with any science, when one gender is overrepresented, there is a risk of bias.” Therefore, this forum was a crucial step towards addressing this gender imbalance and inspiring the next generation of female data science and of course all genders to be able to move towards to more innovative solutions.

 The event brought together researchers, professionals, students, and industry leaders to discuss the achievements and challenges faced by women in the field. Distinguished speakers at the forum included Dr. Letetia Addison, Dr. Talia Esnard, Dr. Jacqueline Bridge, Dr. Rajini Haracsingh, Dr. Phaedra Mohammed, Ms. Ebony De Leon, and Ms. Julie Koon Koon, who shared their expertise and insights to inspire and motivate attendees.

 Through their expertise, women in data science have made invaluable contributions to various sectors, including healthcare, finance, technology, and environmental sustainability. Even so, according to Dr. Talia Esnard, Senior Lecturer and Head of the Department of Behavioural Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences at The UWI, “at the postgraduate level, there are women in STEM fields, who have reported experiencing feelings of ‘imposter syndrome’ and who are struggling with issues of self-doubt with imperfection and certainly fear."

 It is hoped that this conference provided a key platform for collaboration and idea exchange to encourage initiatives that promote gender equality and inclusivity in the data science ecosystem. Dr. Letetia Addison, WiDSTT Ambassador and Project Officer, University Office of Planning, The UWI said it best when she explained, "in our rapidly evolving world, data has become the cornerstone of innovation and success. With its transformative potential, underrepresented groups have the opportunity to use data for good."

 [L-R] Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology Dr. Brian Cockburn, Dr. Jacqueline Bridge - Senior Lecturer and Head of Department, Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The UWI, STA. (Keynote Speaker, Panellist), Dr. Rajini Haracsingh - Lecturer, Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, The UWI, STA. (Keynote Speaker, Panellist), Dr. Talia Esnard - Senior Lecturer and Head of the Department of Behavioural Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, The UWI, STA. (Keynote Speaker, Panellist), Dr. Letetia Addison - WiDSTT Ambassador, Project Officer, University Office of Planning, The UWI, STA (Keynote Speaker, Moderator of Panel Discussion), Dr. Phaedra Mohammed - Lecturer, Department of Computing and IT, Faculty of Science and Technology, The UWI, STA (Panellist), Ms. Julie Koon Koon - Technical Analyst, Republic Bank, MSc Data Science Candidate, The UWI (Panellist), Ms. Ebony De Leon - Former Head of Advanced Analytics, Guardian Group, Trinidad and Tobago (Panellist) at the Empowering Women to Harness the Power of Data Science: Inspiring Inclusion forum.

 

Pro Vice Chancellor and Campus Principal Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine giving remarks at the Empowering Women to Harness the Power of Data Science: Inspiring Inclusion forum.

 

Dr. Letetia Addison - WiDSTT Ambassador, Project Officer, University Office of Planning, The UWI, STA (centre left) with WIDSTT Datathon Competition winners at the Empowering Women to Harness the Power of Data Science: Inspiring Inclusion forum.

Secondary school students look on as the lively discussion takes place during the Empowering Women to Harness the Power of Data Science: Inspiring Inclusion forum at The UWI St. Augustine Campus.

 About The University of the West Indies

 The UWI has been and continues to be a pivotal force in every aspect of Caribbean development, residing at the center of all efforts to improve the well-being of people across the region for over 75 years.

 From a university college of London in Jamaica with 33 medical students in 1948, The UWI is today an internationally respected, global university with nearly 50,000 students and five campuses: Mona in Jamaica, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, Cave Hill in Barbados, Five Islands in Antigua and Barbuda and its Global Campus, and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe.

 The UWI offers over 1000 certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Food and Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport. As the Caribbean’s leading university, it possesses the largest pool of Caribbean intellect and expertise committed to confronting the critical issues of our region and the wider world.

 The UWI has been consistently ranked among the best in the world by the most reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education (THE). Since The UWI’s 2018 debut in THE’s rankings, it has performed well in multiple schemes—among them including World University Rankings, Golden Age University Rankings (between 50 and 80 years old), Latin America Rankings, and the Impact Rankings for its response to the world’s biggest concerns, outlined in the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Well-being; Gender Equality and Climate Action. Learn more at www.uwi.edu  

 

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