Miss World Ethiopia Expands Focus on Social Impact and Women’s Empowerment, Organizer Tells Horn News Hub
By Chekole Alemu
Genet Tsegay, organizer of Miss World Ethiopia, international model, and lecturer at Addis Ababa University, says the platform is evolving beyond a traditional beauty competition to focus on leadership, empowerment, and social impact.
Speaking to Horn News Hub, Genet explained that Miss World Ethiopia aims to nurture confident, educated, and socially responsible young women capable of driving meaningful change in their communities. She noted that the initiative focuses on youth empowerment, education, and social development by encouraging participants to use their voices and take leadership roles.
A key element of this approach is the platform’s partnership with Maya Charitable Organization. Genet said the collaboration was inspired by the organization’s work supporting children living with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, noting that the partnership reflects the Miss World principle of Beauty with a Purpose.
She added that last year’s Miss World Ethiopia winner, Hasset Dereje, was appointed as an official ambassador for the organization. According to Genet, the newly crowned Miss World Ethiopia winner will also serve as ambassador for one year, working closely with the foundation on awareness campaigns, advocacy, and support initiatives.
Genet also emphasized that contestants and winners will be actively engaged in community visits, awareness campaigns, fundraising initiatives, and storytelling efforts aimed at amplifying the voices of children and families supported by the organization. She noted that structured involvement is intended to ensure consistent engagement throughout the year.
Beyond social impact, she said Miss World Ethiopia also provides professional development opportunities for participants. Contestants receive training in public speaking, leadership, communication, and advocacy, while gaining exposure through media appearances, national events, and international platforms.
Genet further highlighted the initiative’s potential national benefits, including promoting Ethiopia’s cultural diversity and strengthening international visibility. She said the platform aims to showcase Ethiopian women as capable leaders while contributing to tourism promotion and national representation.
She stressed that Beauty with a Purpose remains central to Miss World Ethiopia, with contestants encouraged to develop meaningful social impact projects that extend beyond the competition period.
In addition to her current role, Genet’s own academic and professional journey reflects the platform’s emphasis on education and leadership. Genet, who represented Ethiopia at Miss World 2013, recently graduated with a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from Addis Ababa University.
While participating in Miss World 2013, she was an undergraduate student in Architecture and Urban Planning. At the time, Genet stated her aspiration to apply her education to meaningful development work after graduation. She has since fulfilled that ambition by continuing her studies and specializing in landscape architecture, further strengthening her professional career.
According to Genet, Miss World Ethiopia is working to position itself as a platform where leadership, social responsibility, and national representation intersect to create lasting impact.
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