The first Miss & Mrs Cross Continent event in Dublin showed how a pageant can combine cultural diversity, leadership and practical community education.
Twenty-four women from seven countries participated in the programme, which was attended by approximately 450 guests at the Church of Scientology & Community Centre.
Organised by Miss & Mrs Cross Continent Events Ltd. and sponsored by Broccoli Care Ltd., the programme was developed in collaboration with The Truth About Drugs Ireland.
Before taking part in the stage programme, contestants and visitors toured a Truth About Drugs exhibition and learned about the effects of commonly abused substances. Contestants were encouraged to prepare by studying drug-prevention materials, and a number of them completed every available online course.
The Mayor of South Dublin praised the contestants for using their public platform to promote informed choices and Ireland stronger communities.
Cultural performances added to the programme, including Irish dance, Indian classical dance and traditional Indonesian presentations.
The principal title was awarded to Niveditha Vudayagiri, a software engineer who holds a master’s degree in AI. The first runner-up title went to Fortunate Lindokuhle Masina, followed by Yuki Yuliatin as second runner-up.
By combining cultural expression with drug education, the programme gave the traditional pageant format a wider social purpose. A fuller report on the Dublin multicultural pageant and drug-education initiative provides additional details about the contestants, performances and educational programme.