Maria David
OSHAKATI based Elizabeth Queen Angondji was on Saturday crowned Miss Ability Namibia 2022, a pageant that aims for inclusivity, while Tresia Ndeevelo became the first runner-up and Vicktoria Martins as the second runner-up.
The pageant was held with the aim of doing away with the stigma around disability being an inability, whilst promoting a sense of hope in creating a new era of inclusiveness for all.
The focus is not on beauty alone, but also on qualities of great substance, including community involvement.
Founder of the pageant Eva Josaphat, said that the idea of the pageant is centered on the aim of advocating for the rights of people with disabilities, and to encourage every woman to embrace their body.
Josaphat stated that the hosting of the pageant was started in 2018, to ensure that they create a platform that is inclusive for all women.
“From a silent voice saying; ‘listen, disability does not mean inability’, disability is beauty too, and a person living with disability is also human. We are hoping to create a lasting platform for them,” she said.
She emphasized that the aim is to give equal platforms for all women with disabilities in Namibia, who want to embrace their beauty in full capacity without being in fear because of their physical appearance.
