US-based Guyanese launches NGO to help Caribbean women with mental health

Having witnessed many cases of women suffering from mental, verbal, physical and emotional abuse, a US-based Guyanese doctor has launched a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) geared towards helping women with mental health issues in Guyana and the Caribbean.
Dr Sheneze Madramootoo was raised in New Amsterdam, Berbice, Region Six (east Berbice-Corentyne) and now resides in Texas, United States (US). In April 2024, she launched ‘ZenFem Care’ to provide resources and care through collaborative efforts, community assistance, and research.
Having witnessed cases of women close to her being abused, she said “For years, I knew that this was something I wanted to do but this year everything aligned and God told me that it was time – and ‘ZenFem Care’ was born.”
At 31, she holds a doctorate in Developmental Psychology from Walden University, specialising in the emotional and social changes individuals undergo due to trauma and aging. Her academic achievements also include two Master’s degrees from Walden University and a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry from the University of Houston.

Leveraging her academic and professional expertise, Dr Madramootoo said she aims to make a meaningful difference in the mental health landscape for Caribbean women.
She told Guyana Times of instances which broke her heart throughout her life, leading to her realising her calling.
“Someone I was very close with had a failed suicide attempt. This was a 23-year-old woman, and her family did not know how to support her. She was depressed but lacked the knowledge and support to get treatment and I witnessed how the assistance I rendered changed her life – today she is doing better for herself,” she said.
The Founder of the NGO pointed out that mental health issues in the Caribbean are often compounded by stigma, lack of education, and concerns about confidentiality. These barriers she said, frequently prevent individuals from seeking the help and support they need.
“In many of our communities, mental health is not widely understood or openly discussed. Women, especially, face unique challenges that can leave them feeling isolated and judged,” Dr Madramootoo explained.
She noted that ‘ZenFem Care’ aims to break these barriers by providing education, resources, and a strong support network.
Referring to another case, she related that: “I witnessed another woman very close to me giving up everything for her kids and was solely dependent on her partner for financial support. She endured physical, verbal, and emotional abuse and consequently became extremely withdrawn from the world and everything she loved, even considering suicide.”
The NGO is supported by a team of highly skilled professionals with diverse backgrounds in mental health, public health, and trauma-informed care. Together, they are dedicated to making a tangible impact in the lives of women across the Caribbean.
“Confidentiality is crucial,” Dr Madramootoo said, adding that “in small communities, fears about personal struggles becoming public knowledge can deter women from seeking help. ‘ZenFem Care’ is committed to building trust and upholding strict confidentiality standards.”
The organisation’s objectives include collaborative efforts with local mental health professionals, community leaders, and organisations to enhance the reach and effectiveness of mental health services. Further, there will be Community empowerment through outreach programmes, workshops, and awareness campaigns to create solidarity and reduce feelings of isolation among women.
Supported by research and tailored resources and care, the interventions which will be unveiled soon are designed to be both culturally sensitive and impactful, ensuring that women receive the care they need in a way that resonates with their lived experiences.
While ‘ZenFem Care’ does not yet have a physical office, plans are underway to establish a location that will serve as a hub for its initiatives. In the meantime, the organisation is actively working to expand its reach through virtual programmes, workshops, and partnerships.