If you did not know, women are pioneers in the world of Science. The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is observed annually by the United Nations and other organizations to encourage the involvement of girls and women into the field of Science. As we celebrate the day, we want to shed some light on some of the trailblazing women in Science. Our very own Brianna Antoine, a young budding scientist, composed a beautiful poem to pay homage to some of the women who have positively impacted the world and are inspirations for those whose dream it is to pursue a career in Science. Enjoy Brianna’s poem and let’s encourage our young women to become the world’s next great scientist!
The Women Who Paved the Way for Me
When I flip through my Science books,
I can’t help but think,
About all the women in Science History,
Who wrote those books with their ink
Rosalind Franklin used her creative hands,
And discovered that there are two DNA strands,
As for Dorothy Hoggin born in 1910,
Only boys could study Chemistry back then
She fought for enrollment and eventually succeeded,
Building the first insulin molecule model, becoming undefeated
Next is Sophia Louisa Jex-Blake,
For a long time, she was one who fought for women’s sake
In her days, the idea of women studying was never really driven,
Until eventually she founded The London School of Medicine for Women.
Is it hard to believe that Ada Lovelace was the world’s first computer programmer?
She was only 17 and lived in the 1800’s!
Marie Curie is a famous name,
Her work on radioactivity and discovering cancer treatments gained her some fame.
Dame Hilda Bynoe, a known Grenadian lady who greatly impacted the Caribbean region
Was also taken up with studying Medicine
In Guyana she was known as the ‘Lady Health Officer,’
As the primary health care that she gave was always proper
Another Caribbean lady I must mention
Is Yolanda Thompson who made quite an impression
She was the first female head of a national forensics lab in the Caribbean
And introduced key measures which strengthened the justice system
These brilliant women have paved a way,
Not only in Science but for females today
Currently there are many new active names,
That are really sparking quite a flame.
Camile Wardrop Alleyne is one such lady,
Currently standing proud as a born Trini baby
Today she is one of the most recognized female aerospace engineers,
And holds many more titles with such a flare!
All these women are an inspiration,
Along with many more I didn’t mention
Things wouldn’t have been the same without their impact,
And the world should be thankful for that
They made a difference in society and history,
And as a young female studying Science, I am grateful they paved the way for me.