The Second Runner-Up of Miss Kupe Muanenguba 2024, Etake Vanissa Emade, has shared her inspiring story of empowerment and passion for menstrual hygiene education.
In an exclusive interview with The Ultimate Newspaper, Emade, disclosed that she has witnessed firsthand the struggles of girls who lack access to sanitary materials and proper education on menstrual health.
Through her project, “Flow and Grow,” the Miss aims to break the cycle of period illiteracy and empower girls in Kupe Muanenguba with economic independence. “My project focuses on menstrual hygiene education and vocational training for girls in schools and communities,” she explains. “I’ll be visiting schools, conducting workshops, and providing vocational training to teach income-generating skills like producing powder detergents, snacks, and baked goods.”
Emade’s passion for menstrual hygiene education stems from her experience as a teacher, where she saw girls struggling with periods, getting embarrassed, and missing school due to lack of sanitary materials. “I wanted to make a bigger impact, so I participated in Miss Kupe Muanenguba,” she says.
As a role model, Emade advises young girls and women to “know their worth, study, and understand their rights.” She emphasizes the importance of self-empowerment, saying, “Let’s not wait for justice to be handed to us; let’s be the change.”
In her presentation on Women’s Day at the Tombel Grandstand, Emade urges girls and women to prioritize their health, dignity, and education. “Treat each other with love, care, and respect. We should be each other’s keepers,” she says.
Emade’s experience in pageantry has boosted her confidence, taught her poise and leadership skills, and given her a platform to implement her project. “Pageantry has been a game-changer, helping me grow in ways I didn’t think possible,” she says.
However, the Beauty Pageant revealed that her biggest challenge is securing financial resources to implement her project. She is addressing this by writing appeal letters to Kupe-Muanenguba elites for support.
She appreciated Bume Ada Olive Epse Kima-Oben, founder and vision bearer of Miss Kupe Muanenguba, for the platform to showcase her outstanding achievement and commitment to creating a brighter future for girls in Kupe Muanenguba.
The vision bearer on her part testified that Emade’s story is a testament to the power of young women leading change in their communities. Her dedication to empowering girls through period literacy and economic independence is an inspiration to all.
By Olive Ejang
