Anita Kate Umuratwa was nominated Miss Supranational Rwanda in March, 2020, and her journey from then has been filled with experience and awareness, and personal growth. She will be representing her country in August, 2021 in an international beauty pageant, Miss Supranational, held in Poland. She shares with The New Times’ Better Benigne Uhiriwe her preparations and expectations. Excerpts: Why do you want to compete on an international level? Because I believe that such a high standard would give me a voice, the honour to represent my country on a global level and make my project known, such an opportunity will open more doors for me and give me a chance to make a bigger impact and most of all challenge myself. What are your expectations for this beauty pageant? My greatest expectation in all there is to come is that it doesn’t stop right there, it’s a step that starts a journey. There is a level of experience I shall attain and it will make history in Rwanda and Africa if I become crowned Miss supranational as no African country has won the title yet. What are your personal views on the controversy surrounding such international competitions? The management of Miss Supranational has sent all the participants a list of what’s needed and there is a liberty to wear and behave in accordance to one’s culture. And yes, I shall do efficiently what shall be required of me as a participant and a representative of Rwanda. What is your request from Rwandans in terms of support? I can only say that I can’t do it alone, and it’s not just about me, but a nation coming to light, so it’s a burden that has to be shouldered together as Rwandans. I would request votes and shares on many social media platforms. I don’t have all the information yet but I will keep updating the public to have all the support I need. In the past we didn’t make it far because of how uninformed Rwandans were are on this subject. What project do you have in mind to present to the panel of judges? I want to raise child malnutrition awareness, it’s a project that is dear to my heart and I’m passionate about, it’s a worldwide issue, especially in rural areas, and least developed countries. So it needs an even louder voice because a child is the future of a nation and a representation of the next generation. What will promote Rwanda in this upcoming beauty pageant? It will promote our tourism industry like the Visit Rwanda project. As a representative of my country, I’ll plant an image, idea or even a question to arouse people’s curiosity about Rwanda, even if I don’t win the competition I will have at least stood at that international stage as a Rwandan woman. How prepared are you in terms of performance? I expect to keep the values and principles I have been impacted with. In terms of clothing, travel expenses, passport, I have everything needed. There are a bit of setbacks but I trust I shall overcome them. And I’m preparing myself emotionally and mentally for the journey ahead, through mentorship and learning. What is your advice to people who have labels concerning beauty pageants? The most popular mentality is that it pollutes one’s thinking but they have to know it’s all about one’s character, it’s a platform that is offered to woman to express and represent herself on a global scale. Like any platform, it’s worked for and earned. Over the years, people have been more open-minded to such opportunities, making them more productive.
