MISS Plus Size Namibia 2022, a beauty pageant established to give fuller-figured women the confidence to love themselves, no matter their shape or size, was launched in the capital two weeks ago.
From 20 ladies who applied, the top 18 was announced on social media recently and will contest in the crowing event set for 8 October at the Khomas Regional Council in Windhoek.
Prizes this year include modelling contracts and money ranging from N$10 000 to N$2 500. The top three winners and Miss Popularity will also take part in the Katutura Fashion Week. Other titles that will be handed out at the crowning event are Miss Debutante, Miss Photogenic, Miss Personality and Best Talent.
“We are looking forward to choosing a queen fit for the crown. This year, prior to the main event, the ladies will be doing activities with pageant coaches such as Stanley Mareka and Kaleni Lukas. The contestants will also have a boot camp with Genesis Gym, engage in charitable activities and a range of presentations,” Margaret Shivolo, the founder and director of Miss Plus Size Namibia said.
Although two title holders from last year Bianca Heyns and Loide Kleopas have resigned, Shivolo is confident that the event will be better than before. She said this year’s show will be jam-packed with interesting performances, and the team is working tirelessly to ensure that it stands out.
“The resignations were a decision reached on mutual understanding between the tittle holders and the organisation. It definitely revealed our weaknesses and has helped us address and fix our shortcomings. This time around, we are working with three non-governmental organisations to ensure that our queen and her runners-up are able to successfully fulfil their duties in the community. It is our dream to one day run this pageant on the level of the Miss Universe pageant,” Shivolo said.
She said the pageant is close to her heart as it gives plus-size women an opportunity to cement a place in society.
“Through their participation they are showing the little girl and even the woman, who may not be as petite as her peers, that she is beautiful and that she is worth celebrating. The finalists represent plus size women from different backgrounds,” she said.
Shivolo said the idea of the pageant was inspired by her roots, as an African, where a majority of women are plus size, who, due to mainstream media and the rules governing beauty standards, have never had the opportunity to be acknowledged in the entertainment industry and society.
“The pageant has grown considerably over the years. What started off as a dream has now become a platform that inspires and empowers women from all walks of life. I have learnt that when a woman picks up another woman, that’s power. Your grandmother, mom and auntie should pick up a granddaughter, daughter and a niece. The same goes for men. Let’s pick up one another to make Africa and the world better,” she said.
