By Lusekero Mhango
Organisers of the inaugural Miss Culture Karonga pageant have urged eligible young women in Karonga to register before the end of March as preparations for the cultural event continue.
Event organiser Jennifer Kabira said the competition aims to showcase Karonga’s cultural heritage while creating opportunities for young women aged 15 to 30 with at least a Malawi School Certificate of Education or its equivalent.
“The event aims to revive and showcase traditional Ngonde values, practices, and customs to the wider public,” said Kabira.
Kabira said the pageant will help preserve cultural identity and position Karonga as a destination for cultural tourism while empowering participants to become community ambassadors promoting development initiatives.
She added that contestants are also expected to demonstrate fluency in both Kyangonde and English to qualify for participation.
Kabira said the pageant will further support efforts to address social challenges such as early marriages through advocacy activities led by participants.Gender activist Christabel Munthali said cultural events combined with advocacy can help address challenges affecting adolescent girls in Karonga and across the northern region.
“The pageant’s focus on turning participants into community ambassadors to fight early marriages is particularly encouraging,” said Munthali.
Currently, 15 contestants have registered for the competition, with organisers targeting at least 20 participants before the deadline, and winners at the district level will proceed to the Miss Culture Malawi national finals.
