A good number of Rwandan beauty queens have been part of global competitions to showcase their talent on the global stage. Some returned home with awards and titles, while others were able to raise the flag high with their participation. ALSO READ: How Rwandan beauty queens make it to international pageants Miss World Rwanda made its debut in the Miss World beauty pageant with Jolly Mutesi, Miss Rwanda 2016, representing the country at the 66th edition in Washington DC, USA. Miss Rwanda Elsa Iradukunda, Liliane Iradukunda followed suit in 2017 and 2018 in the 68th edition in Sanya, China, and the 69th edition in London, UK, respectively. Meghan Nimwiza also participated in the 69th edition held in the UK. Despite not winning the crown she reached the top 20 in the Beauty with a Purpose category. In the 70th edition held in Coliseo de Puerto Rico; Miss Rwanda 2021 Grace Ingabire continued the tradition of representing Rwanda at the international beauty pageant. Aurore Mutesi Kayibanda A year after winning the Miss Rwanda 2012 crown, Mutesi believed she had the qualities to succeed on the international stage. In the following year, she proved herself by winning the Miss Pan Africa Music Festival (FESPAM) in Congo Brazzaville. This event, held every two years, celebrates African and diaspora music. Alongside undisclosed cash, she received prizes such as travel packages to France, Brazil, and Egypt. ALSO READ: Rwandan beauty queen sets her eyes on the Miss World crown Shanita Umunyana Umunyana, the first runner-up in Miss Rwanda 2018, later emerged victorious as Miss East Africa 2021. She received a brand-new Nissan X Trail 2021 valued at $44,000 along with a monthly pay of $1,500 for 12 months. In addition to her Miss East Africa title, Umunyana holds the Miss Supranational Rwanda 2019 title, representing the country in Miss Supranational 2019 in Poland. She also excelled in Miss University Africa 2018, securing awards for ‘The President’s Choice’, ‘Best Video Presentation’, and ‘Best Social Work’. Fiona Muthoni Ntarindwa Despite losing the crown to Miss Rwanda 2015 winner Doriane Kundwa, Muthoni secured the third runner-up position, which opened many opportunities. A journalist at CNBC Africa, she competed in Miss Africa 2017 in Calabar, Southern Nigeria, where she became the first runner-up and earned $10,000. ALSO READ: Former beauty queens donate sanitary pads to school girls in Nyanza District Phiona Umwiza The first runner-up of Miss Rwanda 2020, competed in the Miss University Africa 2021 beauty pageant held in Nigeria. She secured the 4th runner-up position, earning her an additional title for the East Africa chapter of the pageant Miss University Africa-East Africa. Representing Rwanda, she contested against 54 delegates from various African countries in Nigeria. Sylvie Isimbi In October 2023, Sylvie Isimbi made history by representing Rwanda at Miss Friendship International in Chengdu, China. She became the first Rwandan to partake in the month-long competition. During her journey, she achieved notable milestones, such as securing a 1st runner-up position at Miss Super Model and earning places in the top 10 and top 20 at the competitive pageant but her most significant victory was being crowned as Miss Friendship International Africa. Paulette Igiraneza Ndekwe Igiraneza participated in the sixth edition of Miss Cosmo World 2023 held in Malaysia after representing the country in Miss Earth 2019. This international beauty pageant, initiated by Carrie Lee, focuses on empowering women and offering a platform for career growth and independence ALSO READ: Do beauty queens live up to expectations? Furthermore, Miss Rwanda 2020 Naomie Nishimwe and local actor Willy Ndahiro participated in Nigeria, as judges for the Miss Style Nigeria beauty pageant 2022 grand finale, alongside other influential personalities like Mark Verge, CEO of Verge Fashion House. Jolie Bwiza, a US-based beauty queen, won the second runner-up title at Miss Washington for America beauty pageant in 2022. Also, Ritha Laurence Ngarambe, a Canada-based beauty queen, participated at Miss Face of Humanity 2022 in Toronto and secured the first runner-up position. Several other Rwandans participated in Miss Global Beauty Rwanda 2022 organised by Embrace Africa. Winners include Stella Matutina Murekatete (Miss Tourism World Rwanda), Clementine Uwimana (Miss Glam World Rwanda), Landrine Uwicyeza Gisagara (Miss Africa Golden Rwanda), and Queen Dorinema (Miss Glamour Faces Rwanda). Others include Isabella Queen Irera (World Top Model Rwanda) and Cynthia Umutesi Rutayisire (Miss Tourism Global Rwanda). Additionally, Honorine Uwase was named Miss Global Beauty Rwanda first runner-up, Diane Bayizere the second runner-up, Grace Ingabire the third runner-up, and Gretta Iwacu the fourth runner-up. Sandrine Umutoni and Deborah Niheza were shortlisted for the semi-finals of Miss Eloquent Africa 2021.
