IT WAS a battle of wits as the six Miss Guyana World delegates faced the judges last Wednesday in the ‘intelligence’ leg of the contest at the Hotel Tower.
The following are the presentations of each of the delegates: Arti Cameron (Empowering abused women)
Seeking to empower abused women is a complex task, since domestic violence itself is a complex social phenomenon that requires multifaceted solutions. There are many impediments to empowering abused women. Many of these hurdles are related to attitudes by law enforcement officials, leniency in the courts towards abusers, and persistent traditional attitudes that prevail in Guyana.  All of these hindrances to the empowerment of women negatively affect women of all cultural and religious backgrounds and all socio-economic and educational classes. These obstructions to the empowerment of women impede the right of women to participate fully in society. There are several specific ways to empower abused women that would no doubt provide women with empowering, liberating conditions, environs, and settings. Guyana must find success in saving our women from domestic abuse. All Guyanese women must consider themselves safe only if every mother, every sister, and every daughter is safe. 

Soyini Fraser (Empowering Guyanese Women through Positive Spirituality)
Many Guyanese women endure adverse conditions because they feel powerless and unable to change their situation, hence, they resort to accepting such conditions, even when facing possible death. It is vitally important for women to understand that they are entitled to be treated with respect and dignity at all times. This can be accomplished through the process of Empowerment. The empowered, in turn, develop confidence in their own capabilities. Empowerment allows women to find within themselves the necessary resources needed to overcome hindrances as well as hardships.
Empowerment refers to increasing the spiritual, political, social, or economic strength of individuals and communities. I have opted to focus my discussion on the positive side of the spiritual aspect of empowerment.  Spirituality embodies many facets and has a great impact upon a person’s life. However, the focus here will be on the parts associated with the mind, will, and feelings of Guyanese women, with the thoughts playing the key role in the empowerment process.

Ruqayyah Boyer (Breaking Barriers: The Journey from Homemakers to CEOs/Decision Makers)
Beauty with a Purpose: Empowering the Guyanese: The theme for this year’s Miss Guyana World 2011 pageant. When thinking of empowering the Guyanese woman, what immediately came to mind was the thought that women in our society have been at a disadvantage in many areas, especially as it relates to women being economically empowered. The issue of gender equality playing a critical role in this arena: If you compare the top 10 companies in Guyana, you will notice a pattern that mirrors business corporations the world over, where men hold the position of CEO, or they are the ones having the privilege to make the decisions solely, even though women would have done the same work, held the same level of qualifications and the extent of their experience is to some degree untouched.
It is within my interests and the interests of my country to highlight how women would have evolved, their journey, their transition and how valuable their contribution to the growth of our economy has been. While maintaining that there is no shame in being a homemaker and no greater prestige in being a CEO, one should have that freedom of choice, because it is my conviction that true equality is being able to choose for yourself, not being influenced in either direction as is often the case today.
Remember, I am not just saying let’s empower our women: Let’s educate both male and female about each other to foster genuine equality. No one sex should ever be the focus of all the perks.

Utieka John (The Importance of Educating Girls and Women in Society)
I believe that the inter-linkages between gender inequalities, economic growth and poverty are the main reasons why girls’ education is a smart investment for any country. For developing countries to reap these benefits fully, they need to unleash the potential of the human mind. Educated women also tend to be healthier, participate more in the formal labour market, earn more income, have fewer children, and provide better health care and education to their children, all of which eventually improve the wellbeing of all individuals, and lift households out of poverty. These benefits also transmit across generations, as well as to their communities at large.

Seistra Allen (Changing the Roles of Teenage Girls)
My personal mission is to raise awareness and self-esteem of young girls. I strongly believe that once we are educated, motivated and empowered, it would give us a sense of who we are and who we desire to be in the world. In my presentation, I will show the current roles teenage girls play in our society, the unfortunate pressure from the media, our peers and even ourselves. Assessing your life demands a certain level of pride, respect, and courage because it means you’re taking responsibility for it. Responsibility also suggests ownership—of your feelings and actions, as well as the outcomes of your actions. The easiest road may not be your chosen path, and growing pains will be part of your overall development. Nobody said life and growth would be easy.

Celeste Dolphin (Share the Light: Empowering young Guyanese women who are affected by mental illnesses)
Mental illness is a significant issue in Guyana. The mentally ill are often overlooked and perceived as burdens to society. Among the mentally ill are many young Guyanese women who are suffering and in need of appropriate mental health services and programs. There is a common misconception that many Guyanese share: They believe that mental health and illnesses refer to ‘mad people’ and individuals suffering from severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. I am looking at mental health holistically, including mental illnesses and general wellbeing. The government of Guyana’s approach thus far is commendable (for example, the $113 million acute care psychiatric hospital in Canje). However, the focus should not be solely on mental disorders; rather, it should be on broader issues that promote mental health.
My presentation briefly explores the growing mental health issues of young Guyanese women and discusses the empowerment of young Guyanese women who are affected by mental illness by increasing mental health awareness and the suggestion of the development of a mental health center for young Guyanese women.