Fiona Muthoni Naringwa, a fourth year student at the University of Rwanda was crowned as the 1st Runner Up in Miss Africa beauty pageant 2017, a position that is not only an opener to a brighter future but a symbol of rare attributes and character.
Naringwa, 23 years old, who enrolled at the University in the School of Journalism and Communication is first hand proof that anything is possible, dreams can come true only if you are willing to put in the required efforts.
Out of the 25 contestants each representing a different African country, Naringwa became second to Botswana’s Gase Balopi who walked away with the title of the second edition of Miss Africa beauty pageant whose theme was ‘Climate Change and Migration.’
The prizes that were won by the contestants were dashing to the eyes. The winner walked away with a brand new car and a cash prize of $35,000 while the 1st runner up won $10,000 and the 2nd runner up $5,000.
The competition- boot camp started on the 7th of December and grand finale took place on the 27th December in Calabar, Nigeria.
In an interview with Naringwa, it was revealed to us that she is multi-talented and her excellence performance in the most competitive beauty pageant on the continent is more of a product of her traits than luck.
When asked why she participated in the beauty pageant;
“I love being part of something challenging. This way I get to think outside the box, learn something new and build on my character. When I heard about the beauty pageant I saw it as an opportunity to represent my country.” Said Naringwa.
She further explained that she did not use any secret to get the prestigious position rather she was true to herself.
“The competition had 25 beautiful girls from all over Africa and it was a tough one. When I arrived at boot camp I did not put my mind on the competition but I made a choice to put my best foot forward and show my potential.” Explained Naringwa.
She also pointed out that she had prior participated in Miss Rwanda 2015 where she was crowned as the 3rd Runner Up and that the pageant taught her a lot and prepared her for what lay ahead.
Naringwa holds a strong belief that beauty pageants are great platforms for ladies to express their views as well as become part of finding solutions for different social issues.
“Beauty pageants help in developing self-esteem, critical minds and I would encourage girls to participate in them” Emphasized Naringwa.