By Mayra Beltran de Daetz
GUATEMALA: I consider having a woman for president a great advance in Guatemala, since, as the same as other Latin American countries, we have characterized ourselves for the prevalence of the machismo.
Regrettably, I consider the possibility that Rigoberta Menchú has of winning is very slim. Although, with the quantity of undecided people, according to the last surveys, anyone of the candidates has the possibility to go to a second electoral run.
Rigoberta Menchú is opening the door so that other women can follow her example.
It is very praiseworthy the attitude of Mrs. Rigoberta Menchú. Since it is well known that her life was full of extremely difficult moments, which she knew how to confront with courage. For that reason, it was granted to her the Nobel Peace prize and also an honorary Doctorate degree.
Rigoberta Menchú
It is sad to see that the racism continues in the hearts of many Guatemalans, since she has been the object of scorns and bad treatments for her indigenous heritage.
Another area of which she has been criticized is the educational level she possesses.
My personal opinion is that a person may have studied at a famous university, but if he/she has a lack of moral values and in their hearts there does not exist the love for Guatemala, and the desire of taking our country and the people forward, nothing will be done.
I consider that if Mrs. Menchú had the initiative and she created a team that supported her, who knew which were her strengths and weaknesses, in turn, complementing and supplementing her, then they could create a government plan that would satisfy the Guatemalans.
It is responsibility of the Guatemalans to carry out a responsible vote so that the next President of Guatemala helps us to go out ahead with topics so important as security, foreign debt, education and health — high-priority topics in our Guatemala that is at the end of its rope and has many Guatemalans living the consequences of bad administrations.
Learn more about Mayra:
Mayra Etna Beltrán Molina de Daetz is a native-born Guatemalan who lives in Guatemala City with her husband and teenage son. After attending one of the most noted secretarial schools in the country, Mayra graduated with a secretarial certification — and the ability to speak and write English, as well as, know French.
Yet, she wanted more of a career and so she took architect and graphic design classes at a local university in Guatemala City. Unable to finish her university studies due to finances, Mayra became a stewardess and has over 100 hours in the air.
Yet, she always wanted to be involved with the media and so she returned to school and was able to get a degree in sales and marketing.
As a result, she has worked for a weekly magazine and a newspaper.
I have had opportunity to attend International congresses, in which I have known very important people at the more important international newspapers, which has been a very gratifying experience and has allowed me to have friendships outside of my country.
