A Universal Initiative for Empowering Women
As Durban gears to host the first Mrs. Universe Contest in Africa, the world is set to be changed by these remarkable women. Passion for Empowering the destitute, the vulnerable and the abused is a force which binds these women in a common initiative: Empower Women and you Create Change.
Mrs. North America, Janelle Woods-McnIsh is on a mission to rescue a broken 11 year old little girl, sold into slavery by her own family. It is too late for the young teenager who still haunts her dreams, but for other little 11 year old girls and boys, it might not be. Janelle has launched an education initiative against human trafficking.
Mrs. Equador, Vivian Garcia, speaks through an interpreter, but her message is no less poignant: as a lawyer who has dealt with human rights atrocities, her son will know treating others badly is NOT okay, and as he sees his mother travel the world with this message, he will know too that standing for those who have no voice is simply the right thing to do.
For Mrs.Central Aisa, Shruti Clarence and Mrs. West Central Asia,Neha Banerjee: the stigma of divorce within their Indian cultures enslaves thousands of women within the trap of domestic abuse and violence. Safe Houses provide immediate shelter and relief for women and children on the run, but the process of rehabilitating emotionally damaged women is a longer project. Educational initiatives to empower women is an ongoing process, teaching women who, particularly in rural communities, are taught to remain silent within abusive situations.
“We have cases where the family members of the woman actually force her to return to her husband, divorce is deemed more shameful than anything else. I try to give women the skills and courage to earn their own salary to support themselves and their children” Mrs. West Central Asia.
Mrs. Ukraine knows what displacement from home, family and friends is about, and understands only too well the vulnerable position women and children moved from their known environment are put into. As a 17 year veteran police officer in the Ukraine, she uses the contacts she has within the police force to find and rescue women in trouble. Her mission includes special techniques to unlock emotional traumas and art as a medium to express pain, hurt and fear.
The Mrs. Universe Contestants have a busy week leading to the final gala ceremony event at Durban’s Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre on 2 September 2017. Some of the events include a fun visit to uShaka Marine World, an enlightening visit to Liv Village in Verulam, motivational interaction with school children at three high schools in Inanda and Umlazi. 30 August will herald the Global #OneVoice March against Gender Violence. The march, which will be lead by eThekwini Mayor, Zandile Gumede, will commence from King Dinizulu Park to the Durban City Hall.
Civic organisation, SANCO, various women’s groups and organisations working to combat gender-based violence, schools and members of the public are invited to the protest to create awareness of and take a stand against the international scourge of violence against women and children and human trafficking that affects every country. Details for the One Voice March.
Mrs. Universe Contestants In Durban
Durbanite Tracey-Anne Aggett is the Mrs Universe 2017 Hosting Director, having taken the Mrs. Universe 2016 title as first runner up. Tracey-Anne is thrilled to join with Durban Municipality in brining this global event to Africa for the first time.