Empowering women by example
This year she wanted more than anything to take the plunge and get herself in front of a panel of judges.
The conversation around empowering women is stronger than ever before, spurred on by exceptional support online the world over.
The Empress South Africa beauty pageant regards nothing more important than being part of this integral conversation, while also empowering women every step of the way.
This is exactly what appealed most to Lerato Mokhehle, who is a powerful woman in her community. She is always there to extend a helping hand, irrespective of her only being in her early 20s.
She’s always dreamt about becoming part of the pageantry world, fantasising since she was very young about standing on a stage among some of the most beautiful and impressive women in South Africa, while making a bigger difference in her community.
This year she wanted more than anything to take the plunge and get herself in front of a panel of judges. The Covid-19 pandemic, unfortunately, had different plans, and all pageants were postponed with no hint as to when they would return.
Empress SA was better equipped for 2020 than most, as their competition has been more online-based. Their contestants are encouraged to post and participate in discussions online relating to empowering women. Further, they’re expected to create posts of them singing, modelling, dancing, acting, reciting poetry, doing public speaking and creating commercials while maintaining various blogs.
“To be honest,” Lerato started, “since I entered this competition, Empress SA has empowered me in many ways. I have developed many powerful qualities and skills. I’m really hungry to win this pageant. I will be working on changing the lives of young ones and inspiring them because that is what I’ve been dreaming to do. I believe it’s a great platform to inspire and motivate people.”
Lerato is a semi-finalist in the Empress SA beauty pageant and is currently waiting to hear when the finals will be held, due to lockdown restrictions.
