MORE than beauty, pageants like Miss Universe also serve as a platform to promote positive change and social causes supported by delegates from across the globe.
However, it was not only the participating beauty queens who got to showcase their advocacies on the global stage during the coronation night of the 73rd Miss Universe competition held in Mexico on Sunday (November 17, Philippine time).
Anado Kabika, the national director of the Miss Universe Democratic Republic of Congo, made a bold fashion statement at the finals night by wearing a gown adorned with condoms to promote sexual health awareness and safe sex practices.
“I think you get the message,” Kabika wrote in an Instagram post. “Indeed **wear protection.**”
Different organizations have been promoting the proper and consistent use of condoms as protection from unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human papillomavirus (HPV).
Kabika pointed out in an interview that several individuals do not wear condoms, prompting her to raise awareness about safe sex practices during the coronation night.
“You need to wear a condom, we need to protect ourselves,” she stressed.
The beauty queen then shared that the condoms attached to her gown were a combination of “used” and “new” ones.
Still a winner
In a separate Instagram post, Kabika posed with Miss Universe Democratic Republic of Congo 2024 Ilda Amani for a photo, congratulating her for representing their country in the global tilt.
“Although not winning the crown, the DRC emerges victorious carrying the message of peace for the East of the country high on the world stage,” the Miss Universe Democratic Republic of Congo said.
Amani, who is a menstrual health advocate, pushed for prioritizing peace in the Eastern part of her country during her Miss Universe campaign. Her participation marked the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s return to the prestigious pageant after 38 years of hiatus.
Denmark’s Victoria Kjær Theilvig was named Miss Universe 2024, taking home the Filipino-crafted “The Light of Infinity” crown.
How useful was this post?
Click on a star to rate it!
Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0
No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.
We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!
Let us improve this post!
Tell us how we can improve this post?