Tracking the growth of Miss Culture

Since its introduction three years ago, Miss Culture beauty pageant has brought in unique innovations. As part of its evolution, the beauty pageant has introduced a whole new side of Mrs Culture. Our Staff Writer EDITH GONDWE caught up with the director Lorraine Kljajic to share more about the platform. Excerpts.  

Q

: We have witnessed the Miss Culture brand grow. Can you tell us about the journey so far?

A

: In just three years, the Miss Culture Malawi brand has indeed experienced significant growth since its inception. The journey of Miss Culture Malawi, thus, far has been marked by a commitment to celebrating and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Malawi. Since its establishment, the pageant has provided a platform for young women to showcase not only their beauty, but also their talent, intelligence and knowledge of Malawian culture.

Over the years, Miss Culture Malawi has evolved into a nationally recognised event, drawing contestants from diverse backgrounds and regions across the country. The pageant has not only focused on beauty but has also emphasized the importance of cultural awareness, community involvement, and social responsibility among its participants. Furthermore, the brand has expanded its reach through various community initiatives, charity work and cultural events, thereby making a positive impact beyond the pageant itself. Through these efforts, Miss Culture Malawi has contributed to the preservation and promotion of Malawi’s cultural diversity, fostering pride and unity among its people.

Q: We have seen you expand the pageant to Mrs Culture and now plans to extend it to districts. How has Mrs Culture concept worked out so far?

A

: The expansion of the Miss Culture Malawi brand to include Mrs Culture has been a significant development that has garnered positive attention and engagement. Mrs Culture Malawi has provided a unique platform for married women to not only showcase their grace and elegance but also to demonstrate their commitment to family values, community service, and the preservation of Malawian culture. The introduction of Mrs Culture has been well-received, as it recognises and celebrates the multifaceted roles and contributions of married women within Malawian society.

The pageant has provided a space for married women to share their experiences, wisdom, and talents, while also highlighting the importance of marital harmony, community involvement, and cultural preservation. Furthermore, the addition of district pageants is a strategic step that will undoubtedly enhance the reach and impact of the Culture Malawi brand. By hosting district-level pageants, the organisation will be able to tap into the rich cultural diversity present across various regions of Malawi, thereby providing a platform for women from different districts to participate and represent their unique cultural backgrounds. 

Q

: Modelling and beauty has been associated with some negativity, especially on morals. How are you using the pageant to turn the narrative around?

A

: The association of modelling and beauty pageants with negative connotations, particularly concerning moral values, is a legitimate concern that the Miss and Mrs Culture Malawi pageants have conscientiously addressed. In response, Miss & Mrs Culture pageants have been strategically leveraged as platforms for positive transformation, aiming to redefine the narrative and promote values that are deeply aligned with the cultural and moral fabric of Malawi. To address these concerns, the Culture Malawi pageants have integrated a strong emphasis on character, integrity, and social responsibility into their core values. Contestants are not only evaluated based on their physical appearance, but also on their knowledge of Malawian culture, their talents, and their commitment to community service. 

Q

: Back to Miss Culture. This year’s Miss Culture will be participating in the Miss Culture global. Tell me more about it.

A

: Miss Culture Malawi 2023/24, Irene Navicha, is set to represent Malawi on the global stage as she participates in the prestigious Miss Culture Global pageant. This global event with expected 50 countries, provides an extraordinary platform for contestants from around the world to showcase not only their beauty and grace but also their deep-rooted cultural pride, talent, and intelligence. Navicha’s participation in Miss Culture Global signifies a remarkable opportunity for Malawi to share its rich cultural heritage with a global audience. As an ambassador of Malawian culture, Navicha will have the chance to highlight the traditions, customs, and values that make Malawi unique, while also engaging with and learning from representatives of diverse cultures from across the globe. Participating in Miss Culture Global offers Navicha a platform to elevate the visibility of Malawian culture on an international scale. By embodying the essence of Malawian tradition and modernity, Irene will have the opportunity to foster cross-cultural understanding, promote unity, and celebrate the beauty of diversity. Her participation in this global event not only reflects her personal achievements but also serves as a source of pride and inspiration for the people of Malawi.

Q

: This will be a big stage. Is Miss Navicha ready for it?

A

: I believe she is, she is being trained and mentored for this. n