For the first time in history, Rwanda will take part in Miss World beauty pageant. Miss Rwanda 2016 Jolly Mutesi will be the first beauty queen to represent the country at the international beauty pageant.

The 19-year-old beauty queen was crowned Miss Rwanda 2016 on February 27.

While several African countries have participated in the past, it will be the first time for Rwanda to take part in the popular beauty contest which draws contestants from all over the world.

"This is an excellent platform to further improve the country's image outside the country because most people out there have absolutely no idea about the progress Rwanda has made in the recent years,” says Dieudonne Kagame Ishimwe, the CEO of Rwanda Inspiration Back Up Ltd, a local company that organised Miss Rwanda beauty pageant.

"Very often Rwanda is associated with the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. When you say you come from Rwanda, many people still show pity and ask how we’re coping,” he notes, adding that: "This will be another opportunity to showcase what else Rwanda has to offer as well as the potential of Rwandans.”

"We’re optimistic that this will serve as a great platform for us to show the world where Rwanda is today. We’re hopeful that Mutesi’s intelligence, eloquence and positive attitude will make an indelible mark at the world event.

The ultimate goal is to showcase our country and the progress it has made,” says Ishimwe.

A product of King David High School, Mutesi represented the Southern Province in the preliminaries at the fifth edition of the Miss Rwanda beauty pageant.

She is excited about the opportunity and has urged all Rwandans to support her to win the prestigious crown.

"This is a prime opportunity to lift up my country’s flag worldwide. Though it’s a stiff competition, I’m prepared to try my best and do whatever it takes at the apex of my ability. Hope for the best because a competition remains a competition,” she said.

Since she was crowned Miss Rwanda, Mutesi has embarked on various initiatives aimed at improving people’s lives and sensitizing the youth on the dangers of drug abuse, visiting children’s homes and hospitals.

She paid Mutuelle de Sante (Community Health Insurance) for 1000 needy people in the Western province and offered free milk for children of Peace and Hope Initiative in Kinyinya, Gasabo District. She also partnered with Rotaract Club, and built ‘kitchen gardens’ for 50 Genocide widows Kinyinya.

She recently took part in a week-long working visit to Akagera, with support of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) to promote domestic tourism.

The 66th edition of Miss World is scheduled for December 20, 2016, in Washington DC, United States, with the pre-pageant activities starting from November 29.

The Miss World competition is over 60 years old and is attended by many beauty queens across the world. It took place for the first time in Britain in 1951.

Criteria

For any country to be eligible to take part in the Miss World beauty pageant, there are certain factors considered which include, the organising company’s profile and the period it has been organising the beauty contest as well as its licence.

Also considered are press releases and articles published in mainstream media among other factors considered for the country to be allowed to participate in this contest.

The current Miss World Mireia Lalaguna of Spain will crown her successor at the annual event.

This year more than 100 countries will be vying to win the coveted title of Miss World 2016 and hoping to be the ambassador of "Beauty with a Purpose”.

The contestants will be judged on the basis of various fast tracked events, like top model, talent, multimedia, sports, beauty with a purpose and resort wear.

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