Online Reporter
Gift Moyo, [email protected]
Just over a month after being crowned Miss Supranational Zimbabwe 2026 at the Miss Universe Zimbabwe grand finale, 26-year-old registered nurse and certified paramedic Nicole Nyawera is ready to take on the world.
The Mutare-born beauty queen is set to depart for Poland today, where she will represent Zimbabwe at the prestigious Miss Supranational competition, joining 58 contestants from across the globe in pursuit of one of international pageantry’s biggest crowns.
For Nyawera, the journey to the world stage is one she never imagined for herself.
“My journey in pageantry started with friends and people around me who saw something in me before I saw it in myself. Almost every day, I’d meet people who would say, ‘You are Miss Zimbabwe’, and I would always laugh it off because I didn’t see myself as a model.
“But over time, those words stuck with me. This year, I decided to step out of my comfort zone, believe in myself, and dedicate time to pageantry and personal growth,” she told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub.
For her Miss Supranational preparations, Nyawera said she has embraced a holistic approach, balancing physical fitness, mental readiness and emotional wellbeing.
“I’m preparing physically by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and staying active. Mentally, I’m practising interviews and keeping up with current affairs.”
She said she is eager to showcase Zimbabwean creativity through her wardrobe.
“Zimbabwe can expect a wardrobe that is elegant, authentic and proudly Zimbabwean. Every outfit has been thoughtfully selected to reflect my personality while celebrating our country’s rich culture and talented designers. As for my national costume, I don’t want to reveal too much, but I can promise it will be bold, meaningful and a true celebration of Zimbabwe’s heritage.”
The model believes it is not glamour alone that will distinguish her from the rest of the field.
“What makes me different is my journey and how I’ve grown through it. I bring real experiences, humility and a genuine desire to learn from others. I connect with people through kindness and empathy, and I want to use my voice to make others feel seen and valued.”
Representing Zimbabwe on one of the world’s biggest pageant stages is a responsibility Nyawera does not take lightly.
“To carry Zimbabwe’s flag on a global pageant stage is one of the greatest honours of my life. It means representing my people’s strength, resilience and hope. Every step I take is rooted in pride for my country, and every word I speak is a chance to share its beauty and culture with the world. I carry this responsibility with love, humility and deep gratitude, knowing I represent something far bigger than myself.”
Winning the Miss Supranational Zimbabwe title, she said, has transformed not only her public profile, but also her outlook on life.
“Being crowned Miss Supranational Zimbabwe has changed my life by giving me a greater sense of purpose and responsibility. I now represent not only myself but my country, and every opportunity is a chance to inspire others, advocate for maternal health and showcase Zimbabwe,” she said.
“It has taught me that true beauty is about using your voice to inspire others and make the world a better place.”
Away from the runway, Nyawera serves in one of the country’s most demanding professions. She is a registered nurse with training in critical and emergency care, including Basic and Advanced Life Support. After beginning her career in ambulance services, she now works in the critical care unit at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare.
“For me, nursing is not just a profession, but rather a calling to save lives and bring hope in critical moments,” she said.
Her medical background has helped shape her advocacy platform, which focuses on maternal mental health.
“My advocacy is maternal mental health. It’s close to me because of my profession as a nurse and paramedic. I’ve witnessed the silent battles many women face while caring for others, often putting their own well-being last.
“That’s why I want to turn their whispers into conversations, and those conversations into lasting change. By raising awareness, breaking the stigma and encouraging women to seek support without fear, I hope to help create a world where no mother feels she has to suffer in silence.”
Behind the glamour, however, has been a journey of sacrifice.
“Pursuing this dream has meant sacrificing time, comfort and moments with the people I love. There were days when I moved from long shifts as a nurse and ambulance technician straight into training, interviews and preparations. It hasn’t always been easy, but every sacrifice has strengthened my determination because I know that I’m representing something much bigger than myself. I’m representing my country and every young girl who dares to dream.”
With Zimbabwe enjoying increasing recognition in international pageantry, Nyawera believes the country’s rise is no accident.
“I believe our growth is being driven by longstanding resilience, determination and purpose. Zimbabwean women are embracing pageantry as a platform for leadership and advocacy, supported by dedicated teams, talented designers and strong preparation. Together, we’re proudly earning our place on the international stage.”
The Miss Supranational 2026 competition will begin with a series of preliminary events and fast-track challenges leading up to the grand finale on July 31 in Nowy Sącz, Poland. Throughout the competition, contestants will be assessed in various challenge events, with the judging panel progressively narrowing the field to a Top 24, Top 12, and ultimately the Top 5 finalists. The winner will be crowned during the grand finale, where reigning Miss Supranational, Eduarda Braum of Brazil, will pass on the coveted crown to her successor.
