Breaking taboos: Sunera Umraw advocates for menstrual hygiene and education
In a celebration that transcended beauty, the newly crowned Miss North Coast KZN, Sunera Umraw, is not merely wearing a crown - she is championing sanitary health care awareness.
Her mission stems from the charity drive, “Keep a Girl Child at School”, which shines a spotlight on an often-ignored struggles when it comes to menstrual hygiene.
Umraw, who hails from Queensburgh, recently took part in the Beauty with a Purpose pageant that was held at The Capital in Zimbali.
Along with modelling swimwear and a glamorous evening gown, she stated her case as to why she deserved the crown.
“Many people are underprivileged when it comes to accessing sanitary hygiene products such as pads and tampons, and yet you get things like condoms just handed out freely.
“This disparity leaves countless young girls across the globe missing days of school each month due to the unavailability of basic sanitary products,” she said.
She highlighted a two-fold issue: a lack of resources coupled with a significant gap in education around menstruation, particularly in rural areas.
“There needs to be education around these topics, especially in the rural areas. This initiative aims not only to supply sanitary products but also to educate girls on menstrual health and hygiene.”
As part of her journey, the pageant contestants were tasked with raising funds for care packs, which cost R100 each.
“We raised about R20 000, and all the winners will be part of a road show where that money will be used to purchase the care packs for distribution to various organisations in rural areas. The project is multi-faceted, it goes beyond just charity.”
Contrary to the traditional stigma attached to beauty pageants, she said that the focus has evolved to encompass charity, education and empowerment.
“There’s a lack of resources, so I like to call it activation, not just empowerment. Anyone can go around and talk, but it’s about putting it into action,” she said.
Her victory has marked the beginning of an exciting journey where she aims to leverage her title not just for accolades but as a platform for meaningful change.
Her vision extends beyond sanitary health. She plans to tackle teenage pregnancy, elderly abuse and her enduring passion — animal welfare.
“Every year I do my own charity drive. I usually raise between R10 000 to R12 000 for essential pet necessities. It’s a really rewarding thing to do.
Umraw also seeks to give a voice to special needs children and their families.
“They don’t have a voice or it is difficult for them to use their voice.”
Reflecting on her personal experiences as a mother of a special needs child, she expressed the need for societal education, particularly among older generations, as they often lack awareness which leads to unintentional prejudice.
She is ready to actively participate in empowerment discussions and educational programs now that her reign has begun.
Her dedication to talking about taboo subjects can open up much-needed dialogues and help overcome shame and anxiety around important subjects.
The new Miss North Coast KZN wants to end the taboo and create connections for a better, more knowledgeable future for everybody.