THE search is on for the next Miss Rwanda, as preparations for the 2020 edition of the beauty pageantry get underway. Organised by Rwanda Inspiration Backup, this year’s pageant in its 8 edition, is scheduled to kick-off it’s countrywide search for the beauties next month. Running under the theme; ‘Beauty, Brain and Culture’, the contest aims to promote girls’ empowerment, showcase Rwandan culture and provide a platform to actively contribute to the country’s social and cultural progress. The pageantry also serves as a platform for contestants to boost their self-confidence, self-esteem and life skills. The registration began on November 20, and interested women are encouraged to apply, keeping in mind the following requirements to qualify for the beauty pageant as laid down by the organisers. Aspirants should be Rwandan by nationality, be between 18 to 24 years of age, must have proof of school ID photocopy, possess good moral conduct, must measure a minimum height of 1.70 m without heels, and must not to be married nor have any children. Kinyarwanda to be given priority In the past editions, it was compulsory for contestants to answer questions two languages, Kinyarwanda and any other official language recognised in Rwanda—English, French or Swahili. However, this created a lot of controversies on social media, with majority suggesting that Kinyarwanda should be given priority to allow contestants to be able to freely express themselves in the mother tongue. Dieudonne Ishimwe, the CEO of Rwanda Inspiration Backup, told The New Times that contestants are now allowed to respond only in Kinyarwanda if it’s the language of their choice. “We had to consider the feedback from the public so that everyone feels part of the competition. We’re therefore considering to include Kinyarwanda as the main language during the pageant,” he said. He, however, noted that even other official languages spoken in Rwanda will be considered as long as the contestant feels comfortable with. Meghan Nimwiza, 20, who is taking part in the ongoing Miss World 2019 in London, UK, will crown her successor at the end of the event scheduled to take place in February, next year. editor@newtimesrwanda.com
