Miss World Malawi representative Ireen Navicha has described her journey at the 75th Miss World competition in Vietnam as challenging but rewarding, saying the experience taught her to keep moving forward despite difficult moments.
Navicha, who made it to the Top 40 of the global competition, said her experience was different from what she imagined when she first dreamed of representing Malawi internationally.
| Wantwa Mwamlima
The 21-year-old was speaking during a homecoming event organised by Inde Technologies, where she reflected on the experience and the lessons she drew from it.
“My journey hasn’t been the easiest. It’s a journey that was marred by obstacles. When I was facing the challenges, one thing I told myself was that I needed to keep going because at the end of the day, it was still a blessing,” she said.
Navicha said the experience taught her that success does not always come without difficulties and that young people should continue pursuing their dreams even when they face discouragement.
“Even in days that we don’t feel like getting up, we should show up,” she said.
Navicha also talked about the outfits she wore during the competition, including one that attracted criticism.
She said that the outfit she initially expected to wear was prepared while she was already in Vietnam, but delayed to get bto her; hence, wearing a different outfit.
She said despite the criticism, she remained conscious that people back home were watching her and that her actions could inspire other girls.
“If I gave up, then Malawi would not make it to the Top 40. We could not make this kind of history. So I had to keep going for my fellow girls back home,” said Navicha.
She said she is particularly proud that her participation has helped introduce Malawi to people who may not previously have known much about the country as well as putting the country in the Top 40.
Inde Technologies head of business Miriam Ntambo Jiya said Navicha’s journey was historical.
“She did not just represent a brand, she represented Malawi as a country. It’s not something that we take for granted that a young Malawian lady was able to do that,” she said.
Jiya said Navicha’s achievement should encourage young Malawian girls to believe in themselves.
