AS Emancipation activities for 2013 continue, eight young, beautiful and talented Afro-Guyanese women will vie for the title of Miss Emancipation tonight at the National Cultural Centre.

The pageant showcases the natural beauty, talent and strength of Afro-Guyanese women. Thus Miss Emancipation 2013 will focus on a more holistic view of feminine beauty, and will feature various segments, such as evening wear, business wear, and talent.
In keeping with the United Nations Day of the Woman, the delegates will be choosing a strong woman of African descent to speak on as their platform.
Stemming from last year’s pageant was the girls’ group Guyanese Girls Unite, which aims to promote empowerment of young girls. In keeping with her reign, on the International Day of the Girl Child, reigning Queen Ms. Jillicia Pinder  visited the East Ruimveldt Secondary School to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and to participate at the World Youth Day event with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, among many other events.
This year, the pageant is again promoting STEM, and will be sending 12 girls from Mali (where education is not free) to school through the Guyanese Girls Unite project, which will give the Mali girls the much-needed facilities to explore their senses and skills, and, most importantly, get an education that lets them know that not even the sky is the limit.
Those competing are Franale Holder, Jennel Lovell, Shanice Bourne, Shevona Jerrick, Sunaika Adolphus, Miracle Hilliman, Joelly Valentine and Makida Blake.
The pageant, which starts at twenty hours, will comprise three segments – evening wear, business wear, and a talent piece.
Tickets for the Miss Emancipation pageant, costing $1000, $1500 and $2000, are obtainable at the National Cultural Centre; Nigel’s Supermarket; Joan’s Beauty Salon on Durban Street (between Mandela Avenue and John Street); at Ashmin’s and at Upscale Restaurant and Sports Bar.

Who will take the coveted title?

	Name: Franale Holder Delegate # 1 DOB: 16 April, 1990 Ambition: To become a pilot
	Name: Jennel Lovell Delegate # 2 DOB: 10 August 1994 Ambition: To become a medical doctor
	Name: Shanice Bourne Delegate # 3 DOB: 21 September 1994 Education: 2nd year Marketing student at the University of Guyana
	Name: Shevona Jerrick Delegate # 4 DOB: 23 September 1992 Education: Business Management student at Nations University
	Name: Sunaika Adolphus Delegate # 5 DOB: 22nd April 1995 Education: 2nd year International Relations student at the University of Guyana
	Name: Miracle Hilliman Delegate # 6 DOB: 11 May 1992 Education: 2nd yr Communications student at the University of Guyana
	Name: Joelly Valentine Delegate # 7 DOB: 24th May 1994 Education: 2nd yr Communications student at the University of Guyana
	Name: Makida Latoya Blake Delegate # 8 DOB: 4 August, 1990 Ambition: To become a medical doctor