Women in STEAM: Tajwattie Persaud

In the world of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), with STEM being the more widely recognized version, women are typically underrepresented. In the last 10 years, only 35% of STEM graduates have been women. However, today, they are increasingly breaking barriers in the field, proving that they have the proficiency to function just as effectively in traditionally male-dominated spaces. Women are constantly utilizing their innovative skills to push the boundaries of progress, particularly in environmental sustainability. In Guyana, several women dominate the environmental sciences, including Tajwattie Persaud.
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Although Persaud recognized the absence of female dominance in the environmental realm, her passion for sustainability fueled her pursuit of a career in this field. “My pursuit of an environmental career was mainly driven by my passion for environmental sustainability and the need to make a positive impact and contribute to the natural world,” Persaud says.
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Persaud’s desire to positively impact the natural world came to fruition in her career as a Senior Environmental Technician, where she has made significant contributions to environmental conservation. Persaud recalled one notable experience, “At our hazardous and non-hazardous waste storage and treatment facility, our team successfully diverts most landfill waste into recyclable waste, mirroring a circular economy." She noted that this contribution not only reduced the amount of waste in landfills but also underscored how sustainable waste management practices can lessen pollution and promote resource efficiency by extending the lifecycle of materials destined for dumps.

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As a result of her experiences in the field, Persaud emphasized the importance of involving women in all aspects of sustainable development, including policy and framework development and more physical roles. “This should always be encouraged as their inputs greatly shape the environmental field,” says Persaud. The involvement of women is crucial in the championing of environmental change. As such, she noted the importance of promoting women in STEM and creating opportunities for their development. Without the presence of women, innovation for sustainability would be limited and not adequately represent the perspectives and needs of society.

Persaud encourages young women who desire to take up roles in the environmental field, particularly waste management, to remain curious and receptive to continuous learning. She explained that “hazardous and non-hazardous waste treatment is constantly evolving, with new technologies and methods emerging to address waste generation and processing more effectively.” As a result, it is crucial to think innovatively about recycling and waste product solutions that can promote circular economies.
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Tajwattie Persaud is a role model for young girls and women, demonstrating women's significant potential and capabilities in STEM. Her contributions to waste management highlight the importance of women's involvement in environmental sustainability. An inclusive STEM environment empowers the next generation of women to lead groundbreaking solutions in sustainability. By embracing and supporting women’s passion, innovative thinking, and expertise, we can create a future where both male and female perspectives thrive and meaningfully come together to drive progress. An inclusive STEM environment empowers the next generation of women to lead groundbreaking solutions in sustainability.