Current Miss Culture Global, South African Casey Esmeraldo, is expected to visit Malawi on November 22.
She will be in the country as part of a cultural and empowerment tour aimed at inspiring young girls, including the 12 finalists in the Miss Culture Malawi pageant on November 29.
In an interview yesterday, Miss Culture Global pageantry founder Lorraine Kljajic said Malawi holds a special significance in the Miss Culture network despite the pageant’s presence in other countries too.
She said the tour is an opportunity to allow the queen to connect and explore Malawian culture and inspire those in the industry besides giving a chance for social advocacy on issues that affect young girls.
“First of all, charity begins at home. That is why we have decided that among her destinations, Malawi should be first so that she can appreciate the culture that makes who I am. This is a huge opportunity for us and we hope it inspires the finalists,” she said.
In addition, Kljajic said that the tour will blend cultural appreciation with social advocacy, especially against harmful cultural and social practices that impact women and young girls, including early marriages.
“Most of our cultural practices are self-detrimental to our societies. So using the cultural space to advocate topics such as ending early marriages will be more impactful,” she said.
As a key figure in the tour, the current Miss Culture Malawi and Miss Culture Global first princess, Ireen Navicha has expressed excitement at Esmeraldo’s coming.
She said the collaborative efforts between them will be a big statement for cultural heritage.
“It will be such an honour to host Miss Culture Global in the country. Her presence will inspire not only our pageant finalists, but also young girls in the country to see the beauty and strength in themselves”
Esmeraldo and Navicha will also handover donations to schools and visit some cultural and traditional sites in the country.
