Kaygianna Toussaint Charlery, Operations Manager: Goodwill Fishermen’s Co-operative Society Limited, St. Lucia
What first drew you to science, fisheries, or the ocean?
It began as a job. A vacancy notice for an Operations Manager more than 10 years ago. It has now become like a vocation
What part of your work makes you feel proud or hopeful?
What keeps me going is being a voice for the sector. Being able to advocate for and on behalf of the sector for policy change, for greater recognition, for the acceptance of change that benefits positively. Seeing incremental change but knowing that there is still so far to go in this space.
What are some of the most significant challenges women or girls face in science in your context?
In Saint Lucia, the market is open so there are very little factors that keep them out. However, cultural norms, societal acceptance of what the required change that would make it seem ‘normal’ for women and girls to be actively involved in all rather than selective aspects of the fishing sector is what is holding them back. As well, the duality or multiplicity of roles such as child bearing and rearing do not automatically shift to the other gender to allow women the same time to partake in many aspects of this demanding sector
What support, opportunities, or conditions have helped you (or others) succeed despite these challenges?
The support of my fellow ‘sisters’ The networks amongst regional partners who have a shared vision
What is one way organizations like GCFI could help women and girls feel more welcome, supported, or visible in fisheries and marine science?
Advocate, advocate, advocate and showcase/ tell the story
What message would you share with girls considering a career in science or fisheries, especially those who may doubt they belong?
Fisheries is much more than meets the eyes. You do not have to be involved in extraction which is perhaps the less sexy aspect of Fisheries. There are so many career, existing and emerging that you can get involved in that will be rewarding. People will eat as long as there is life so you will become part of many person’s ‘living’. There is got to be reward from this.