DURBAN’S Trisha Poona is “thrilled” at the opportunity to fly South Africa’s flag high at the upcoming Mrs Universe contest.

Poona is representing SA at the prestigious pageant that is set to bring glitz and glamour to Durban’s Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre on 2 September 2017. “I feel honoured to be given this opportunity to represent my country,” says the Mount Edgecombe fitness and image consultant.

Mrs Universe stands for women empowerment which I am currently putting into practice. I’m excited to show what South Africa has to offer. Beauty with depth!

While this is a memorable moment for Trisha, it is also an historic moment for South Africa, as this is the first time the event will be hosted in Africa. Trisha will compete against participants from more than 80 countries for the Mrs Universe crown.

“I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous,” says the mother of two.

When something means so much to you, you are bound to have some nerves. In my eyes, it’s not a sign of weakness but rather a sign of passion and the will to excel.

As the host country representative, Trisha will play a key role in showcasing Durban and SA to the global participants, and it is a “job” that she is taking seriously. “I am most looking forward to meeting with and interacting with the other contestants from around the world. I am definitely a people’s person and I enjoy making new acquaintances!”

Trisha credits her family for keeping her grounded and counts being a wife and mum as “my greatest achievements.” Trisha and her husband Vishal Poona have two children, Ruan, 6 years and Ziva, 5 years.

“My family completes me,” says Trisha.

I have grown so much in these past eight years. Living on your own and looking after yourself is easy, but being responsible for three human beings, now that’s a challenge! And that’s what married women do, every single day. My job is to remind women and girls of their worth and make sure they always look and feel their best and feel confident in their own skin whilst carrying out their daily responsibilities.

Unlike similar pageants, Mrs Universe is an activist-themed event that is driven by women empowerment and campaigning against gender-based violence. Trisha and all other contestants will be joining the #OneVoice march from King Dinizulu Park to Durban’s City Hall on 30 August 2017 to take a stand against the global scourge of abuse against women and children.

Every year, we women are getting stronger and excelling in our chosen fields. We are showing how versatile and resilient we are and how we can excel in multiple roles. Together, let’s continue to uplift the women around us and remind them of what they are capable off. Let’s acknowledge each other’s achievements and show the future generation how much we can achieve when we work together.

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