THE Miss Curvy Africa pageant, known for empowering women through various initiatives, is bringing the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) Miss Curvy Africa competition to Zimbabwe, themed "Diamond Queen of Africa." The event will run from August 12 to 18.
Mercy Mushaninga, founder of Miss Curvy Africa, emphasises the pageant's role in empowering African women, going beyond physical beauty, focusing on community projects, creating brand ambassadors and influencers, fostering leadership skills, and preserving cultural heritage.
Contestants will showcase their heritage and cultural values by wearing designer outfits made from Zimbabwe's national cloth.
"The Council of Ministers of the Sadc agreed on youth empowerment and participation in the Sadc regional development, hence we are hosting the Sadc Miss Curvy Africa which is an Empowerment Pageant in support of the Sadc initiative, which is the renewed commitment by Sadc Member States to address the challenges youths face, which include limited access to education, skills development, employment opportunities, and resources,” she said
The first-ever Miss Curvy competition, held in Zimbabwe, was a global first for curvy models. The success led to franchises in various African countries, including South Africa, Botswana, and Nigeria.
Miss Curvy Africa goes beyond just looks. Their selection process, called "Project Miss Curvy for Women Empowerment," emphasizes leadership skills, confidence, maturity, cultural awareness, and a healthy, well-maintained physique. It's about finding a role model admired in their community and continent.
Mushaninga acknowledges the confusion between curvy and plus-size models. Miss Curvy Africa aims to differentiate by celebrating curvy figures like Tanya Chikuni, "the embodiment of a curvy model".
"The pageant challenges societal beauty standards and reminds everyone that curvy women are beautiful," she said.
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Mushaninga provides historical context, explaining how European fashion industry norms overshadowed traditional African appreciation for curvy figures.
“The first person who started modelling was a designer from France and he chose his wife (Size 6 Slim, Tall and Slender ) to model in his dress design, hence that size of models are considered as the most beautiful. It has always been our culture knowing that curvy women are the most beautiful women, but because of the standard definition of a beautiful woman seen as slim and slender the norm has been misunderstood for a long time".
"However, the Europeans came to Africa and changed all that yet they admire the curvy women of Africa. Take a look at the story of Sarah Baartman who was enslaved and taken to Europe, where her body was put on display for paying audiences because of her unique Curves” she said.
Success Stories: Beyond the Crown
Previous Miss Curvy winners have achieved significant success. Many are now established brand influencers, entrepreneurs, and respected figures in their communities, examples include Tanya Chikuni, a successful influencer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, and Lucy Tichayana, an entrepreneur and brand ambassador.
The Miss Curvy Africa pageant goes beyond the runway, creating a platform for African women to be celebrated for their beauty, intelligence, and leadership.
