Breaking Barriers: Women in STEM Leading the Way

Earlier this month on 8th of March, the world  celebrated International Women’s Day- a time to honor the remarkable achievements of women across the globe. The observance of this day traces back to 1908, when 15,000 women marched through New York City, demanding shorter working hours, better pay, and voting rights. The following year, German women’s rights activist Clara Zetkin proposed an international day to advocate for women’s equality, and in 1917, following this, women in Russia protested for “Bread and Peace,” which led to significant reforms in women’s rights. International Women’s Day serves as a global call to action for gender equality, celebrating women’s contributions while highlighting the challenges that persist.

This year’s theme  “Accelerate Action,” emphasizes the need to drive further progress in empowering women, particularly in fields where gender disparity has long been the norm. One area where we see significant change is in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) field. Despite historical barriers, women continue to break new ground in STEM, demonstrating that these fields are for everyone. In Guyana, where industries such as oil and gas, as well as health care are rapidly expanding, women are playing an essential role in shaping the future. This feature highlights three exceptional women who are leading the charge: Dr. Kamela Bemaul, a Hematologist and University Lecturer; Shanae Heber, a Field Engineer in the oil and gas industry; and Kerisha Beete, a Procurement Professional in the oil and gas sector.

From the Study of Medicine to Mentorship: Dr. Kamela Bremaul’s Journey

Dr. Kamela Bemaul-Sukhu is currently Guyana’s only Hematologist, specializing in the study and treatment of blood disorders like anemia, sickle cell, clotting abnormalities, and other abnormal cell count disorders. As the only practitioner in this field, Dr. Bemaul’s work is vital, especially considering the lack of other specialists in the country. She runs an outpatient clinic at Midway Specialty Care Center, offering much-needed care to patients with bleeding disorders. Dr. Bemaul’s path to hematology wasn’t an easy one, as access to specialized training was scarce.

“One of the biggest challenges I faced was studying and without the unwavering support of my husband and family, I honestly don’t know how I would have made it through,” she explained.

Dr. Kamela Bremaul

Beyond her medical practice, Dr. Bemaul plays a crucial role in mentoring future healthcare professionals as a lecturer at the University of Guyana. Despite the challenges of navigating an evolving medical education system, she finds great fulfil;ment in shaping young minds. Dr. Bemaul believes strongly in the importance of recognizing women in medicine, not just as caregivers but also as researchers, innovators, and educators.

“One of the myths I’d like to debunk is that female doctors are stuck-up or unapproachable. In reality, many of us have a lot going on in our minds and often struggle to manage everything, but we are deeply passionate about our work,” she stated. She also shared that many patients still mistakenly refer to female doctors as nurses, underscoring the need for greater respect for women in medicine.

For young women interested in entering the medical field, Dr. Bemaul’s advice is clear: “Medicine has to be something you’re truly passionate about. something you’re willing to study hard for and dedicate yourself to. Don’t choose it just because it pays well.”

Engineering : Shanae Heber in the Oil and Gas Industry

At just 23 years old, Shanae Heber has already made impressive strides as a Field Engineer at SLB. Her journey into engineering was unconventional as she initially planned to pursue Chemical Engineering, Shanae switched to Petroleum Engineering after her original field was unavailable.

Looking back, she is confident it was the right decision. “I didn’t necessarily plan to be an engineer, but looking back, I think it was the best decision I ever made,” she shared.

Shanae Heaber

In an industry that has long been dominated by men, Shanae has faced her fair share of challenges, including imposter syndrome. The feeling of self-doubt despite clear achievements. “Sometimes you doubt yourself, even when you’ve worked hard to get where you are,” she admitted. But Shanae has learned to overcome these feelings, reminding herself of her earned place within the field. She has also encountered gender biases, as there are still some people who believe women don’t belong in engineering. “I had to stand my ground and prove that I am just as capable,” she said.

Shanae is passionate about encouraging more young women to get involved in STEM, believing that early exposure to science and engineering can make a significant difference.

Despite her demanding career, Shanae has mastered the art of balancing work with her personal life. Whether hitting the gym, playing tennis, or relaxing with a good series, she ensures that her career doesn’t consume her entire identity.

Her message to young women considering a career in STEM? “You are capable of achieving anything. Work hard, stay consistent, and block out the noise of doubt. The world needs more women in STEM.”

Kerisha Beete: Navigating Procurement in the Oil and Gas Industry

Kerisha Beete is a procurement professional in the oil and gas industry, where she ensures the seamless acquisition of goods and services crucial to the sector’s operations. Procurement is a vital part of the industry, requiring strategic planning, negotiation, and supply chain management to keep projects running smoothly.

Kerisha Beete

Kerisha’s journey into procurement began during her academic years, where she developed a strong interest in logistics, cost efficiency, and strategic sourcing. Her transition into the oil and gas sector was driven by a passion for business processes and supply chain management. “Although I started with a degree in biology, I found my calling in procurement because it allowed me to use my problem-solving skills strategically,” she explained.

In a male-dominated field, Kerisha has faced her share of challenges. However, she believes women bring unique perspectives and strengths to the table, from their attention to detail to their exceptional negotiation skills. “The industry is evolving, and women are being recognized more and more for their contributions,” she said.

Kerisha’s advice for young women aspiring to enter any STEM-related field is simple: “Stay curious, learn, and advocate for yourself in STEM careers to achieve rewarding and impactful outcomes.”

The Future of Women in STEM

The journeys of Dr. Kamela Bemaul, Shanae Heber, and Kerisha Beete are a testament to the fact that, while challenges exist, they are not insurmountable. These women have overcome obstacles with resilience, passion, and dedication, and they continue to inspire future generations of women pursuing careers in STEM.

As we reflect on this year’s International Women’s Day, we are reminded of the importance of accelerating action to ensure greater gender equality in STEM. Encouraging young women to step into these spaces, providing mentorship, and challenging societal stereotypes will be crucial to shaping a more inclusive future.