Durban rolled out the red carpet on Friday and gave the world a taste of KwaZulu-Natal’s trademark warm hospitality as it officially welcomed international Mrs Universe 2017 contestants.
Beauty queens from more than 80 countries will compete for the Mrs Universe crown at Durban’s Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre on September 2. The city holds the rights to host the activist-themed, global women empowerment event for the first time in Africa.
This comes after former Mrs KwaZulu-Natal and 2016 Mrs Universe first runner-up, Tracey-Anne Aggett, won over the International Mrs Universe organising committee with her charitable projects and vision for the continent.
“Every aspect of this event is geared towards connecting countries from around the world so we can fight the global crisis of gender-based violence, child abuse and human trafficking. We want to stand with one voice with every victim and at the same time educate young women about their rights,” said Agget.
“All the contestants have their own inspiring stories of overcoming vast challenges to achieve phenomenal things. We are using Mrs Universe as the platform to share this message that despite challenges and setbacks, women can go on to achieve, both on a personal level and making meaningful contributions to their respective communities,” she said on Friday.
Durban's fitness and image consultant Trisha Poona will be representing SA in the glittering event.
Mrs Universe is a women empowerment initiative that acknowledges married women between the ages of 25 and 45 who are doing phenomenal work to uplift and enhance their local communities through CSI initiatives, business development and global trade opportunities.