Home Features International Women’s Day: “We strive for excellence and overcome all obstacles” –...
In the traditionally male-dominated field, women have been breaking barriers, shattering stereotypes, and making significant strides towards gender equality and diversity in Guyana’s oil and gas sector. 
Guyana Times sat down with five remarkable women attached to Guyana Port Inc, an Oil and Gas support firm located at Supply, East Bank Demerara. In the competitive and demanding world of the oil and gas sector, the extraordinary narratives of Shabana Chiraunjie, Subrina Singh, Narwati Emanuel, Latoya Pereira, and Priscilla DeCosta serve as powerful testaments to the incredible capabilities and resilience of women in leadership roles. Beyond their impressive professional accomplishments, three out of these five remarkable women have fearlessly embraced the challenges of motherhood while defying stereotypes and shattering glass ceilings in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Shabana Chiraunjie holds the post as Human Resource assistant at Guyana Port Inc, share her favorite quote “Don’t judge a book by its cover”, which she said leads her through life and every aspect as a career woman at just 25 years-old.
“As simple as it is it’s what I always tell people who are meeting me for the first time, since they tend to look at me as quiet easy-going girl. Yes, I’m quiet and easy going but I’m also goal driven and determined,” Chiraunjie shared. Though she’s only been in this role for seven months, reflecting on her journey within the sector, she has discovered a sense of belonging and acceptance. Each day, she said, presents new challenges and opportunities for growth, shaping and understanding the dynamics in the workplace. When asked if she would encourage other young women to get involve in the same sector, Chiraunjie said “mostly definitely, yes.
Meanwhile, Project Controller Officer Narwati Emanuel, a 41-year-old mother of three adult children revealed having children and being married never gets in her way of being career woman. While admitting that as toddler stages she could not leave her children but jumped at the first opportunity to get into the world of work again and her goal is to remain in this very sector and propel to her highest level.
Highlighting what it entails being a project controller officer, some duties include controlling of projects and working out the resources inside out to see everything organised correctly.
These five women can be considered as part of a group of Guyanese women keen on changing the stereotypes of women in any male dominated field. Even more keen on this effort is Latoya Pereira the company’s Client Support Officer (CSO). Pereira previously worked in the media.
The 39-year-old (CSO) said she is confident in her ability to contribute efficiently to Guyana’s growing economy as she works simultaneously to provide for her three children, two of whom are currently studying in the United States of America. “Balancing work while being a single parent has its struggles. However, striking that balance is needed for that particular advancement in life, in general”. Pereira disclosed. “But I’m happy that I have been able to strike that balance. I’m able to still be a professional and a mom giving the support and the necessary support that my children need to venture into their endeavors,” the proud mother revealed.
In the oil and gas sector she displays resilience and adaptability, drawing from her male counterparts and her background in Communication Studies, all while devoted to her ongoing pursuit of an MBA in logistics and supply chain management.
The company’s Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment (QHSE) Manager Subrina Singh is no different from her other female colleagues. They all share some things in common, they love their job, the male on the work site treats them no different and they’re all determined to prove that women can propel in any field of work they so desire. At 35-years-old Singh is assured that this is only the beginning of her career in oil and gas.
“I must say there are challenges that you as a mother and a full-time career person would have. So, it does have its challenging periods. But all in all, it’s a comfortable working environment. I do have full support for my husband when it comes to my career. And you know, balancing that work life. “I have been working since the age of 20. As soon as I graduated from the University of Guyana, I began working at Pretty Bossing Investment, a reputable company where I spent 12 years of my career. I initially started as the Quality Control Manager’s assistant and later progressed to obtaining system certification, eventually becoming the Quality Manager and then a Senior Quality Manager”. I’ve only been in my current environment for two years. Both workplaces were heavily male-dominated, making it challenging at times. Despite this, my goal is to continue growing in my field as I have a passion for quality and safety, which makes the journey more fulfilling”. Singh said.
Scheduling time and aligning schedules with her husband to manage basic family activities is critical, she id, adding that planning for the weekends is as important as planning for the week ahead important to plan for the weekends as well.
Singh envisions yourself making a significant impact in the oil and gas sector, particularly in Guyana. Having a strong desire to see growth in terms of safety and quality standards, aiming to position Guyana Port Inc. as a leading entity in this field within Guyana.
While only serving at the company for just three months, Priscilla DeCosta a Health and Safety officer is currently a Public Management student at the University of Guyana. She alludes to having the full support of her family, even while working and studying.
Being at Guyan Port Inc. has allowed DeCosta to somehow better understand the male gender and know that they’re all not the same. “For me, I take things one step at a time. I mean, for other females push through, please push for your career and carry yourself with respect cause that’s what will get you through working in any environment. Also, I think education is the main source and working through things one step at a time no matter what stage you’re at”.
Significance of IWD
This international Women’s Day the one message these five women are sending to other women is to know that “There is no force more powerful than a woman with a determined mind and self-respect”.
International Women’s Day is an opportune time to celebrate the achievements, contributions, and progress of women and girls, both in Guyana and around the globe.
