Pinetown’s Caitlyn to empower young women with grace
"I want women to know that they have value and can accomplish a whole more than they limit themselves to." - Caitlyn Naidoo.
PINETOWN resident Caitlyn Naidoo may not be a typical pageant girl but her beauty shines through her passion for women empowerment.
The 18-year-old former Pinetown Girls’ High School learner is a contestant in The Miss Grace South Africa 2019 Beauty Pageant.
She is currently pursuing a teaching degree, another way she believes she can play a part in empowering young girls.
“I went to an all girls high school so I got to experience first hand how girls behave and got to hear young women’s challenges as I was a counsellor as well.
“I want women to know that they have value and can accomplish a whole more than they limit themselves to,” she said.
The Miss Grace South Africa 2019 Beauty Pageant is an empowerment initiative for unmarried South African Women aged 18-35.
Also read: Pageant winner aspires to create waves of change
The pageant offers women a chance of fulfilling their dreams of being a South African reigning queen, being at the forefront of leadership and sharing their inspirational journeys with others.
The top 100 entrants will be mentored by pageant coaches and compete in various challenges, including projects running during the 16 Days of Activism against violence against women and children, making evidential impact in their communities and the lives of women.
“When I first saw it I thought it was just a pageant and I wasn’t interested. But when I learned that it was about empowering women, I knew I had to be part of it,” said Caitlyn.
According to Caitlyn, the pageant is not funded which means the contestants have to raise funds to be part of the process.
“I have to raise a minimum of R10 800 to be part of the pageant team,” she said.
At this stage Caitlyn has to get as many votes on the pageant’s Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/missgracesa/photos/a.419677938509361/488742301602924/?type=1&theater
The top 100 will be announced on Saturday, 3 November.
“Everyone’s support has made me believe in myself even more. I didn’t even know that I was chosen as a contestant and friends and family alerted me first since I didn’t have Facebook,” she said.
She has also received donations towards the funds she needs to raise from Mrs India South Africa 2014, Tracy Maharaj and from companies one of them being Ultimate Brands’, Rowen Gangulu.
People that would like to sponsor Caitlyn can send their donation to the pageant’s bank account with Caitlyn Naidoo as a reference.
“I want to have an impact in young people’s lives and I plan to start my own campaigns on teenage pregnancy. I also love animals and I wouldn’t mind getting involved with raising awareness on issues affecting animals,” said Caitlyn.
Miss Grace South Africa will be crowned in March 2019.
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