For the third time in a row, Rwanda will be represented at the prestigious Miss World beauty pageant stage.
Miss World pageant is scheduled to take place in Sanya, China, where Manushi Chhillar from India will crown her successor at the end of the event.
Rwanda is being represented by reigning Miss Rwanda 2018, Lillian Iradukunda, who travelled to China for the 68th edition of the Miss World beauty pageant, where the winner will be crowned on December 8.
She will be the third Rwandan beauty queen to grace the Miss World pageant, after Miss Rwanda 2017, Elsa Iradukunda and Miss Rwanda 2016 Jolly Mutesi, who made Rwanda’s debut.
Iradukunda said preparations are ongoing and that learning from her predecessors, she is ready to compete in the global pageant.
"I believe that my past two predecessors who have graced the stage before me have already paved a way for me, as there is a lot that I have learned from them. I am sure that I am going to make my country proud,” she told the press.
In 2016, Jolly Mutesi made history as the first Rwandan to compete in Miss World, and went on to be selected among the top 24 finalists out of more than a hundred contestants. Although Elsa Iradukunda did not win the crown last year, she left a good impression at the global pageant and gave fellow contestants and guests a lesson or two about Rwanda and its cherished traditions.
Dieudonne Ishimwe, Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Inspiration Back Up Limited, said that Rwanda’s participation in the Miss World beauty pageant for the third time is a great way to improve the country’s image, but is also proof that Miss Rwanda pageant is growing.
"During the 2018 boot camp, we conducted both oral and written interviews so as to prepare whoever wins for the Miss World pageant. We will keep training girls in all the other boot camps until we become one of the best globally,” he said.
Iradukunda also urged Rwandans to support her during the competition. One can vote for her by liking all her photos either on the MobStar application, or on the Miss World Facebook and Twitter handles.