Gender equality is a human right, but our world faces a persistent gap in access to opportunities and decision-making power for women and men.

Globally, women have fewer opportunities for economic participation than men, less access to basic and higher education, greater health and safety risks, and less political representation.

The gorgeous Roxanne Bilski, who'll be competing for the crown of Miss World Canada 2018 later this year, has launched a platform called Project Equity. The mission of this platform is to shift the conversation around women’s rights and gender equity from why to how.  Their focus is to provide visibility into the various issues that women continue to face day-to-day, with focus on topics such as workplace dynamics, sexual harassment and violence against women, and the underrepresentation of women in certain fields (i.e. Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Politics, and the underrepresentation of women at senior levels) - "Together, we hope to educate and empower women and men through workshops, debates, and involvement in the community" - she explained.

If she wins the crown Roxanne will have the opportunity to represent Canada in Miss World in Sanya, China on December 8, 2018. The canadian beauty queen hopes to inspire and influence those who look up to her with her words, actions, positivity, kindness, and hard work.  "It is very important to have strong female role models.  I hope to be a role model to young girls and women in my community and in my country, and promote body positivity, self-love, confidence, and inspire women to pursue their personal and professional goals, and to empower one another along the way."

Let's know a little more about Roxanne's story through this interview!

Female athletes make good role models for adolescent girls by promoting physical activity and involvement in sports, confidence, a strong work ethic, and emphasizing the importance of education. They are extremely active and eat healthy to keep their bodies at a top performance level.

The gorgeous Dee-Ann Kentish, who'll be competing in Miss Universe Great Britain 2018, is a silver medalist in heptathlon in the Central America and Caribbean Games; a bronze medalist in the Carifta Games and a proud representative for Anguilla in the Commonwealth Games 2014 - "I used to be a heptathalon athlete and was required to participate in seven different track and field events over the course of two days. For me to be successful at each event, I had to discipline myself to wake up early for training, follow a rigid diet, hold myself accountable, balance university and condition my mind to take each event one at a time on competition day focusing on my performance and execution in that moment" - she explained.

If she wins the title Dee-Ann will have the opportunity to represent her country in Miss Universe 2018. Did you know ? Great Britain has never won the Miss Universe title. The closest it could reach was in the year 2013, when Amy Willerton secured the Top 10 spot at Miss Universe 2013 pageant. 

I had the opportunity to interview Dee-Ann on her preparation for the upcoming pageant. Lets know a little more about this beautiful and inspiring woman through this interview!

Mental ill health can affect every aspect of life, from family relationships, to the ability to work and cope at school or college. Stigma and prejudice can make people reluctant to come forward or seek support. As a result, mental illnesses have drastically lower rates of diagnosis, and are treated less often and less effectively than other diseases.

The gorgeous Romy Simpkins, who'll be competing in Miss Universe Great Britain, has been thinking a lot about her platform, which has a lot to do with her career and studies revolving around mental health - "I would like to take this experience to show how I wish to make a difference to those suffering with mental health illnesses. Being a real example that you can overcome an illness and you can do whatever you want to do in life as long as you set your mind to it" - she explained.

Simpkins often works with families who were victims of domestic abuse. "I have always been passionate about helping others, especially in the work force which has led me into working for a mental health organisation for children and young adults. I enjoy the case work studies and I wanted to look into this more, so I can help those who are affected by trauma and other serious events. From this I am now studying to become a counsellor to give therapy to those effected by mental health."

If she wins the title of Miss Universe Great Britain Romy will have the opportunity to represent her country in Miss Universe 2018. Last year the gorgeous Anna Burdzy placed in the Top16. The country has never won the international crown however Amy Willerton secured the Top 10 spot at Miss Universe 2013 pageant. 

Pageant coaches guide beauty pageant contestants as they train for competitions. Through interview preparation, wardrobe consultation and runway walk training, pageant coaches use their expertise to bring out the best in every contestant. They are usually industry experts who draw their extensive knowledge as past beauty queens, pageant directors or choreographers to guide clients in their journey towards winning a title. The most successful pageant coaches boast a roster of beauty pageant competition winners.

The gorgeous Taylor Whitaker is the beauty pageant coach who mentored Miss Teen USA winners like Hailey Colborn or Sophia Dominguez. Taylor is a former beauty queen, she won the title of Miss Arkansas Teen USA in 2006 - "I was the last group of teens that were featured LIVE NBC. This was a memorable moment because we were in Palm Springs for over two and half weeks preparing and filming. I have been in weddings, attended baby showers and traveled with the women I spent those two and half weeks with. They are some of my closest friends" - she explained.

She also competed in Miss Arkansas USA, winning Overall Interview in 2011, Overall Evening Gown in 2010, and third runner up in 2010. She also loved competing in the Cinderella Scholarship Pageant system, and was first runner-up three times before finally capturing the crown of International Cinderella Woman in 2009. 

She has also been featured in Justine Magazine, Seventeen, Teen Vogue, Teen Prom, Little Rock Times, Dillard’s, JcPenney, and Leisure Arts, to name a few.  She has modeled for Tony Bowls and Mon Cheri in Dallas, Atlanta, New York, and Las Vegas markets.

Let's know a little more about her inspiring story through this interview!

The 2018 Miss Earth United States pageant will be held on July 15, 2018 in Washington, DC. The winner will have the opportunity to represent the United States in Miss Earth 2018.

The gorgeous Bre Lee L'Estrange has been preparing in all aspects including, mentally, emotionally, and physically - "I feel it is so important to feel balanced when going into the competition. Not only that, but stay healthy & hydrated is key to feeling your best (especially when traveling). I drink water all day long, have a very clean nutrition plan, and make sure my sleep schedule is on point! Beauty is sleep is essential" - she explained.

Bre Lee L'Estrange is a 20 year old born and raised in Colorado. After graduating high school she continued on to college to get her bachelors degree in Communications and Media study. With a 4.o gpa, Bre plans to graduate college with honors at Grand Canyon University. Chasing her dreams Bre is planning to tackle all of them within the next 5 years. Including, launching her lifestyle blog and becoming a barre instructor, and starting a non-profit organization to help women & men build confidence and how to live a beautifully balanced life. 

Yana Krasnikova represented Ukraine at the 2017 Miss Universe Pageant where Demi Leigh-Nel Peters from South Africa succeeded Iris Mittenaere from France. Ukraine’s highest placements at the Miss Universe stage so far have been Diana Harkusha, who was titled as the 2nd Runner-up (2014), Olesya Stefanko 1st Runner-up (2011) and Anna Poslavska 3rd Runner-up (2010).

Below the beautiful Yana shares how participating in the pageant made her a better person. Check my exclusive interview with her below!