Brace for return of Miss Rural Zimbabwe pageant

THE Miss Rural Zimbabwe pageant is making a return this year after a break enforced by the Covid-19 pandemic and economic challenges. The event will once again celebrate the beauty, talent and community spirit of young women from rural Zimbabwe.

The last pageant was won by Nyasha Cherine Phiri from Gokwe, Nembudziya. Event organisers, Mental Voices Trust, said the pageant is open to all rural-based Zimbabwean women between the ages of 18 and 25 who have never been married and have no children.

“Contestants must have a 100 percent rural background, natural hair and looks, and be living in a completely rural setting. This unique competition provides a platform for these extraordinary young women to showcase their qualities and inspire others in their communities,” Mental Voices Trust said in a statement.

Sipho Mazibuko, founder and chief executive officer of Mental Voices Trust, said the pageant’s aim is not only to identify beauty, but to also empower rural youth.

“We are thrilled to bring back the Miss Rural Zimbabwe pageant and provide a stage for rural young women to shine. As a woman with a strong rural background, I know the power of emancipation from the grassroots level,” said Mazibuko.

“This event is more than just a beauty competition – it’s an opportunity to empower, uplift and celebrate the incredible talent and potential of our rural youth.

“With the help of village chiefs’ wives, the adjudication team will ensure that the criteria is strictly followed and everyone gets a fair chance.”
Casting venues and dates for the Miss Rural Zimbabwe pageant will be announced soon, allowing aspiring contestants to register and begin their journey to the coveted crown.

“The pageant will be held across all provinces to ensure equal opportunities for everyone and will feature various competitions and challenges, including talent showcases, interviews and cultural presentations, all designed to highlight the multifaceted abilities of the participants,” Mazibuko said.