On Saturday, March 20, one of the 20 women in the final of Miss Rwanda 2021 will be picked by the judges as Miss Rwanda 2021, to take the crown from Miss Rwanda 2020, Naomi Nishimwe, in a ceremony that will not be attended by the public at Intare Conference Arena. The 20 contestants are in the boot camp at La Palisse Nyamata Hotel in Bugesera District, where they are being fine-tuned and equipped with life skills ahead of the Saturday final. According to the organisers, final touches are being done at the venue in Rusororo, to ensure that by 7pm, Rwandan time, the pageant will begin and it will be shown by Rwanda Broadcasting Agency’s entertainment channel KC2. Some of the contestants./ Courtesy “Everything is set. The contestants are more than ready. They are preparing themselves ahead of the final. Rwandans should expect a spectacular show. Those who don’t have means to watch KC2 should look for their decoders,” says Meghan Nimwiza, the spokesperson of Miss Rwanda and former Miss Rwanda. People outside Rwanda will only watch live on YouTube after paying a $3 (Rwf2,979 approximately) subscription. The contestants are currently undergoing different sessions aimed at sharpening their minds. Earlier this week, on Tuesday, March 16, the contestants pitched their projects for ‘The Most Innovative Project’, which will be funded by Bank of Kigali. The contestants presented their business ideas before a panel of judges. The winner of this coveted title will be announced during the finale. Three finalists will also perform live during the Miss Rwanda 2021 finale, as the top three contenders of “Miss Talent”. “Judges have announced the top three winners of #MissRwanda2021 Talent Show. The winners are; Sandrine Umutoniwase (painting), Amanda Akaliza singing) and Grace Ingabire (contemporary dance),” the organisers announced. “They will stage a live performance of their talents on Saturday during the grand finale,” they added. On Thursday, the contestants held a session on sexual and reproductive health with Health Development Initiative (HDI-Rwanda) while on Wednesday, the chairperson of Rwanda Women’s Network and Transparency International Rwanda, Immaculee Ingabire, held a discussion with the contestants on sexual and gender-based violence. Ingabire urged the women to be anti-GBV advocates and be on the lookout for sexual exploitation that could come with them competing in the beauty pageant, urging them to use the platform they have to combat all problems that affect women and girls in their communities. Ingabire said that having been born under the current government, they have a chance to be part of the change women and girls want to see by joint efforts to empower women and girls as well as advocates against society gender practices that discriminate against women. “You have what it takes to be agents of change. Being here in the final is enough to tell you that you were selected among the many. After here, even if you don’t become Miss Rwanda, you already have a platform which you can use to bring about change,” Ingabire told the contestants. She urged them to go out there and pursue education goals because it is through education that they can be fully empowered. Contestant Amanda Akaliza sings during the talent show. Ingabire Grace during the talent show. Marie-Paul Kayirebwa showing off her dancing skills during the talent show. Miss Rwanda contestants listen to Jean-Pierre Mwiseneza of Peters Bakers. Miss Rwanda contestants visiting African Improved Foods earlier this week. The panel of judges that will decide the most innovative project. They will briefed about the operations of the food processor.
