Miss PNG is more than just a pretty face on the runway.
This yearly pageant is about building confidence, addressing issues, women empowerment and above all, being PNG’s ambassador.
Get to know each of the six contestants as the Miss PNG pageant week for this year begins:
Miss IBS – Samantha Kuase, 19 years old. Business & Management Foundation Year student at Institute of Business Studies (IBS) and has East Sepik and Madang parentage.
“I am driven by the fact that our cries for recognition of our issues fall on deaf ears far too many times. Women in PNG face numerous gender based issues, sexual assault and domestic violence.
“My goal is to educate as many young girls and women, including men, on women's rights. I would also like to see Papua New Guineans work together to help eradicate issues affecting women in our societies and create a more conducive environment where women can walk freely without fear and participate equally in the development of our nation.”
Miss Italpreziosi - Dorothy Elliot, 25 years old. Works at the Institute of Business Studies (IBS), from Central and Milne Bay.
“I believe that educating people within families and communities about their rights, law and justice, and ways to live, would make better citizens.
“In general, I focus on preserving and enhancing relationships and accomplishing results. Whether it’d be maintaining my relationship with God, family, friends, work colleagues, school friends, or with the public, I try to cultivate the habit of always keeping the promises I make and building bridges of trust that span the gaps of understanding between me and others.”
Miss International Training Institute (ITI) - Rose Lakoro Pitoi, 23 years old, from Central Province.
The reason why Rose is entering the pageant is because it is an avenue to voice her opinion on issues affecting women and girls, and to be an agent for change.
“There are many issues affecting women and girls but the one issue that weighs heavy on my heart would have to be the constant violence against women and girls.”
Rose wants to see women and girls being treated right, respected in their families and prosper by using their God-given gifts and abilities.
Miss Pacific Assurance Group (PAG) - Kellyanne Limbiye, 23 years old. She is a fourth year political science student at the University of PNG and has Southern Highlands and Simbu parentage.
Kellyanne believes there is so much untapped potential in women in PNG and the pageant provides an opportunity for women to nurture and develop this potential.
Miss Pacific Balanced Fund (PBF) - Melody Leke, 19 years old. She is a Science Foundation Year student at the University of PNG, from Enga Province.
Melody believes in making young people aware that education is important and they should focus on it as a priority.
“I want them to know that nothing can stop them from achieving their dreams if they work hard.
“Wherever you are, make education your priority. I believe anything is possible if you put God first, education second and the rest behind.”
Miss Queen Emma - Lois Doules Ilave, 18 years old. Lois is of mixed Gulf province and Malaysian parentage.
Lois wants to spread the message that cultural pride is something every Papua New Guinean should carry within their hearts, to make the country a better place.
“Our cultural pride goes beyond just the singing and dancing on cultural days.
“Cultural pride means that we Papua New Guineans must take care of our land – it belongs to us and we must treat it with respect.
“Cultural pride means that we must learn to respect each other, rather than put ourselves down. I would like to help promote that cultural pride is an attitude.”