Eying World Domination: Meet Asian Representatives At Miss World 2024

In less than three days, on March 9, the world will witness the grand finale of the 71st Miss World Pageant, hosted by India after a hiatus of 28 years. This highly anticipated global event has created a buzz among people worldwide as women from diverse corners of the globe stand united, showcasing not just their outer beauty but the strength of their voices, the depth of their purpose, and a vision for change. SheThePeople interviewed eight remarkable representatives, each with a unique story and vision for the world. From India to Nepal, Bangladesh to Japan, New Zealand to Poland, France, and Brazil, these women share their thoughts on representation, insecurities, and the transformative power of Miss World. 

With this, we bring forth the stories of four Asian countries—India, Bangladesh, Japan, and Nepal—whose voices echo the power of Asian representation, the courage to overcome insecurities, and the determination to make a difference.

Dreams, Aspirations And the Power of Imagination

Sini Shetty, India

Sini Shetty, India's representative at the 71st Miss World Pageant, shares her unexpected journey into the world of pageantry. "I used to look at Priyanka Chopra and Aishwarya Rai, imagining myself walking down the ramp at home. Miss India was never the plan, but I'm grateful it happened," she reflects. Her accidental entry into the world of Miss India unfolded while teaching dance during the pandemic. A simple act of kindness inspired her to pursue a purpose beyond herself, eventually leading her to the world of pageantry. 

Priyanka Rani Joshi, Nepal

Priyanka Rani Joshi, representative of Nepal in the 71st Miss World pageant, shares her perspective on the pivotal role played by imagination and manifestation that brought her to this global platform, "Look, I think everything starts with imagination, manifestation, and aspirations to be here at the stage of Miss World, and because it started with all these things, being here just makes the journey more fun and easier."

Shammi Islam Nila, Bangladesh

Bangladesh's representative, Shammi Islam Nila, reminisced about her childhood, revealing a heartfelt connection to her Miss World dream, "When I was a little kid, I used to buy those birthday crowns. I used to stand in front of the mirror, turn, and say, 'Hey dad, this is Miss World, see.' I used to dance on that," she shared with a gleeful smile. "This whole journey resembles those things because my dad is not here anymore, but I'm sure I have his blessings. I'm living my dream, pinching my skin, thinking, 'Okay, it's actually happening, I'm here."

Kana Yamaguchi, Japan

Japan's representative, Kana Yamaguchi, shares her incredible journey, which marks her second attempt at the Miss World title, with a compelling story rooted in her commitment to education. In 2020, she faced a pivotal choice as the conflict arose when the Miss World Japan Finals coincided with her teacher's exam, "It is my second time joining Miss World. My first attempt in 2020 coincided with the teacher's exam, a career path I deeply considered due to my parents' influence. However, this year, I chose to participate to set an example of the importance of the challenges that our younger generation faces on a daily basis. Having previously worked as a model and TV anchor in Japan, I aim to empower young people, especially females, in a country where the suicide rate among youth is alarming."

Why Representation Matters

For  India's representative, Sini Shetty, representing India on the global stage of Miss World is not just about personal achievement but also about the power of representation and making a meaningful impact on the world.  

Emphasizing the importance of women supporting women and empowering each other, she sees beauty pageants as spaces where diverse voices unite to address global issues collectively, "Imagine representation from every part of the world at one stage. Women support women and empower each other. This is why beauty pageants are relevant. Today we all can stand and say that we represent our country, we understand the pain of every woman, and we're going to work towards it."  

When asked about the importance of South Asian representation on a global platform,  Nepal's representative, Priyanka Rani Joshi, passionately highlighted a pressing issue in her country: Thaupadi Pratha, a discriminatory practice that isolates women during their menstrual cycle, subjecting them to unhygienic conditions. 

This is where people or women who are going through the menstrual cycle are barred and bridged into houses made of huts, and they're just kept inside homes that aren't well built, which is very hazardous to health, hygiene. So for the women of the South, and especially in Nepal, I would like to talk about this issue, and with the platform and the reach that I have, I would want to make transformative changes in this sector.

Joshi aims to use her platform to bring transformative changes to this sector, challenging stereotypes and showcasing Nepal as more than just a neighbouring nation. "The stereotypes that I break as a country are that they believe that Nepal is just a neighbouring nation of two powerful countries.  If I can give a very powerful representation, we're more than just that. We're more than just, you know, we're very proud of food, culture, and heritage, but the people are what make the place, and I represent the people."

Nila's eyes sparkled with determination when asked about the significance of South Asian representation, "When I was little, I saw Aishwarya Ma'am, I saw Priyanka Chopra Ma'am from India wearing the crown. They are the icons of our world. In Bangladesh, we have so many beautiful, talented people, but not the queens who have worn the crown," she emphasized.

Nila's mission goes beyond her personal aspirations. "I just want to set mileage for my country girls. If I can do this, at least if I can come here, you can do more, and the mileage should be better than mine. I want to promote it for my girls. Our Prime Minister is a woman, so she is holding a very strong position there. If I can win Miss World, I think my voice will be more influential. When ethics and good people combine, I think nothing wrong can happen there," she passionately declared.

In response to why Asian representation matters on a global stage, Kana emphasizes the diverse roles individuals can play. "Teachers in this world are perceived as being on opposite sides, making it hard for anyone to imagine them participating in Miss World. If I win, I can encourage young people to use knowledge and education as powerful tools."

My story, as a girl who loved sports from a young age, played handball for over 15 years, and majored in sports science, but when someone recommended I join a beauty pageant in my last year of college, I decided to use this platform to raise awareness for causes I believe in and be a helping anchor for those who need someone relatable.

Facing Insecurities Head-On

Opening up about her insecurities, Shetty admitted, "I still cry when I look at my younger self because, as confident as she was, she had a lot of insecurities." Sini bares the soul of her eight-year-old self, a confident yet insecure girl grappling with the complexities of fitting in. Raised in a convent school but in a vernacular medium, Sini faced the challenge of articulating herself fluently in English. Entering the professional world exposed her to individuals proficient in public speaking, intensifying her struggle to belong. The struggle to fit in, and the desire to be accepted—these were the silent battles waged by the eight-year-old Sini—battles that shaped her journey. However, it was this very struggle that fueled Sini's growth, propelling her towards a path of self-discovery and resilience, "I can still see that eight-year-old being, she was a happy-go-lucky girl. But at the same time, I could see she's trying to fit in everywhere, and I just want to hug her and tell her that everything will be fine." 

Sini addresses the societal pressure exacerbated by the curated perfection seen on social platforms and emphasizes the importance of understanding that what meets the eye on social media seldom reflects the vulnerabilities and struggles faced behind the scenes, "Destiny has something planned for you, and everything will happen for good. If something doesn't work out, there are thousands of opportunities for you in today's world. Do not look down on yourself; just believe in yourself."

Stepping into the glitzy world of high-fashion competitions, Joshi candidly discusses the insecurities that accompany such a journey, "As soon as I entered the world of fashion, you know there's like Vogue models coming out of every part of every country in the world, and looking at everybody, there's always this big, big bag of insecurity in your gut. So while we're talking about beauty and insecurities, you put these things together, and you're never more good-looking than anybody else. Everybody comes with their own USP and is dynamic in their way. So what you can come with is your heart, so how you deal with your insecurities is placing your heart in the right place, and just being refreshed because you wouldn't be on the platform that you are." 

As the anticipation builds for the announcement of the winner at the 71st Miss World pageant on March 9, let's focus on the fact that these representatives share a common thread: the belief in the power of representation and the ability to make a difference. From Sini Shetty's accidental journey to Priyanka Rani Joshi breaking taboos and Shammi Islam Nila realizing childhood dreams, these women bring diverse stories, united by a shared purpose, to inspire, empower, and make a difference in the world.