Miss Malawi First Princess Ireen Navicha says she is ready to represent Malawi at the 73rd Miss World pageant from August 8 to September 5 in Vietnam.
She said this on Saturday at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) in Lilongwe before her departure for Vietnam.
Navicha said she was grateful for the opportunity, acknowledging that her conduct at the pageant would influence how Malawi is perceived internationally.
“I just want to thank Malawi for this opportunity. It’s such an honour to wear the Malawi sash on my chest. I know that whatever I do will depict how much our country is perceived out there. So, I’m so excited,” she said.
Navicha said despite discussions and commotion surrounding her participation on social media, she has remained focused on her purpose, which is a source of motivation.
She said her pageantry journey was inspired by the desire to educate and support girls who dropped out of school due to teen pregnancies and early marriages.
Said Navicha: “My mental well-being is okay and I’m ready to carry our flag. I have been driven by my purpope to inspire and educate girls.
“I knew that if I had to give up this purpose would not be fulfilled. That is what motivates me and encourages me to be better, to do better and represent Malawi in the best way possible.”
She also said her previous experience in international pageantry has prepared her for the competition.
Navicha said she plans to use the platform to showcase Malawi’s scenic landscapes, including Lake Malawi and Mulanje Mountain while highlighting the country’s hospitality.
“We are hospitable and lovable. But most importantly, our country is beautiful,” she said.
Miss Malawi Organisation chief executive officer Bernardette Mweso said they are confident that Navicha will perform well at the Miss World stage.
“We are confident that she will represent Malawi very well. She is brilliant and has a beautiful purpose and with that we believe she will do well on the international stage,” she said.
Mweso said preparations have been hectic considering the country has not been on the Miss World stage for some time.
“We have gotten so much support from various designers and we really appreciate,” she said, adding that other individuals have sponsored air tickets.
Mweso said now the organisation is appealing for about K5 million to facilitate the team that will later travel to Vietnam to join Navicha.
