Four young women playing their part in environmental science, policy and public health

FEBRUARY 11 saw Guyana join the rest of the world in celebrating the International Day for Women and Girls in Science. With Guyana’s rapidly changing landscape, women and girls are becoming increasingly present voices in science.

In honour of this, Pepperpot Magazine sat down with four young women from the Caribbean Youth Environment Network, a region-wide environmental NGO dedicated to improving the quality of life for Caribbean youth with a focus on the environment and sustainable development. From environmental activism to the medical field, these women are the next generation of environmental scientists, biologists, and doctors, working hard to make a change and have their voices heard across all sectors.

More Than Medicine

Suphane Dash Alleyne’s journey began with an innate curiosity about the natural world. “I was always intrigued by the natural world and how things work,” she said during her interview with Pepperpot Magazine. As a young girl, Suphane developed a fascination with insects. She would collect them and observe their behaviour, giving her a deeper appreciation for the intricate systems of life.

This, she says, later inspired her to pursue the field of environmental science, as she shared, “I was always intrigued by the natural world and how things work. Even when I had assignments where I had to capture insects, I would put them in jars, watch how they operated, and observe their behaviour. I found that these organisms are unique. I think we often view them as just things, but they all have a role. They all have a purpose,” she said.

Today, Suphane is not only an environmental officer and conservationist but also a youth advocate, working to empower the next generation of environmental leaders. Her work focuses on environmental education, aiming to inspire young people to take action on critical issues like climate change. “I try to encourage youth to have their voices heard,” she stated.

Although the field of environmental science has seen a number of young men and women join in recent times, Suphane says that there is still room for more participation from young people. She urges them to look beyond medicine, “You need to know that there’s no limit to what you can do in science. Science is not just medicine. It’s not just the typical fields. There are so many sub-sectors of science, and if you delve into it and find something you like, do the research, put in the time, and you’ll see that there’s diversity. You can be a part of that diverse landscape and benefit from it,” she stated.

A Space for Women

Abigail Gobin also shares her story as a woman in science. Growing up in the countryside, surrounded by nature, she developed a deep appreciation for the environment. “I grew up very close to the seawalls, so most afternoons, I would go out to the seawall, just take in the birds, and sometimes you’d see fish,” Abigail shared. This early exposure to the natural world ignited a lifelong passion for biology and environmental science.

Having recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Guyana, Abigail now works with the Environmental Management Consultants Inc. Foundation, managing environmental clubs across Guyana’s coast. Although Abigail has always been fascinated by nature, she was not always sure of what to pursue until university, when she fell in love with herpetology. “When I started my university career, my first two years were a bit aimless because I wasn’t sure where I wanted to specialise within the biology field. So, I took a gap year, and that kind of reset me.” She added, “I was introduced to a course called herpetology, which is the study of reptiles and amphibians, and it opened my eyes and gave me a broader scope of what biology really entails.”

Despite the challenges of working in a small field, Abigail remains optimistic about the future. As she told Pepperpot Magazine, “Presently, there is a space for women.” She believes that young women today have more opportunities than ever to carve out a space for themselves in both the environmental and other science sectors. She strives to inspire future generations of female scientists. “Through my work, I can further encourage young women and young boys to know that there are other career paths they can take in the field,” she stated.

A Voice in Policymaking

Angelique-Leonor Eliana Forero is another young woman dedicated to environmental science. As an active member of the Caribbean Youth Environment Network (CYEN), Angelique is involved in various projects, including the International Coastal Cleanup, which raises awareness about littering and the importance of keeping beaches clean. “We involve the public to help clean and reduce litter on certain beaches, like the Kingston seawall,” Angelique explains, demonstrating her commitment to both hands-on action and data collection for environmental research.

Angelique’s academic background is rooted in geography and environmental management, which she pursued in secondary school and sixth form. Her studies at the University of Guyana have further deepened her interest in environmental science. “I aim to be an environmental scientist and find solutions to certain environmental issues,” she shared. Her ultimate goal is to reduce pollution and mitigate the environmental impact of Guyana’s growing oil and gas industry, particularly its effects on marine life.

In recent times, Angelique has noticed that more and more women are entering the environmental science sector. “I see there are more women than men, to be honest,” she says. This growing presence is particularly evident in the workshops and conferences she attends, where women play key roles in policymaking and advocacy for environmental sustainability.

Public Health

Taking it a step further, 20-year-old Makena Alleyne would like to see medicine and environmental science blend for the benefit of public health. With a degree in biology and plans to attend medical school, Makena’s passion for healthcare was sparked by her internships at West Demerara Regional Hospital and Caribbean Surgery Inc. “Seeing the impact of healthcare firsthand confirmed to me that’s the path I want to take,” she said. However, her commitment to environmental issues remains just as strong. As a Public Relations Officer for CYEN, Makena uses her platform to advocate for climate action and public health.

For Makena, science is not just confined to labs and hospitals. She believes that environmental conservation and climate change are deeply intertwined with public health. “Science isn’t just about labs and hospitals. It’s also about understanding and protecting our planet,” she emphasised. Her work with CYEN allows her to engage in environmental education, community outreach, and advocacy, helping to build a better and more sustainable Guyana.

These four young women—Suphane, Abigail, Angelique, and Makena—are part of a growing movement of women in science who are pushing boundaries and inspiring the next generation. Whether through environmental activism, biological research, or healthcare advocacy, they are making significant contributions to their fields and paving the way for their generation and the next.