Julia Samantha, the former Miss Cameroon 2022 and the current representative at the Miss World competition, has disclosed unexpected challenges she encounters in comparison to her fellow contestants. Her revelations have triggered discussions surrounding the disparities in resources within beauty pageants, as Samantha disclosed the absence of a support team that is typically available to other contestants.
“I don’t have a make-up team,” Samantha revealed. “I do everything on my own, hair, makeup…” Drawing attention to the financial burden associated with securing such assistance, she elaborated, “To have a team, you have to pay for the flight ticket, accommodation, etc. And I didn’t get any support for that, I didn’t get any grants for that.”
While expressing gratitude for the efforts of the Miss Cameroon organization, Samantha underscored the limitations they encounter. “The organization team did their best,” she acknowledged, “but it’s not enough.” She further highlighted the stark contrast with other contestants, stating, “As compared to other beauty queens here, I do my things alone with no one to assist me.”
Samantha’s statement has sparked discussions on the challenges faced by certain contestants in international beauty pageants, raising concerns about the expectations of financial resources and its impact on the accessibility and inclusivity of these competitions.
This disclosure also sheds light on the dedication and resilience of Samantha, who continues to navigate the competition despite these challenges. Her determination to represent her country and compete on her own terms is inspiring, earning her public support and admiration.
This isn’t the first time a Cameroonian beauty queen representing Cameroon abroad has expressed dissatisfaction with the support from the Miss Cameroon Organizing team.
Last year, the current Miss Cameroon, Princess Issie, who represented Cameroon at the Miss Universe competition, complained about being sent alone with no team, no makeup artist, no photographer, and no fan base, among other concerns.
A member of the Miss Cameroon Organising Committee explained to MMI, “No candidate goes to the Miss World competition with a team. That’s why when they come for Miss Cameroon, we teach them how to do their makeup alone, be on time, and many other little things they need to know. We cannot send them people there. The only thing we can do is send her two people who will be there for 2 days to assist and boost her up, and after that, they will come back,” she said.
“She is in her room with another Miss World candidate, and no one is supposed to be there. It even adds points when they do things themselves, like their makeup, dressing up, and showing up on time. People have to stop the online misinterpretation of what Julia said. We have the support of the First Lady and the Ministry of culture, and at our level, we have done our best for Miss Cameroon to be there in India,” she added.
Miss World 2023 will be the 71st edition of the Miss World pageant, with 32 candidates participating, to be held at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, India, on 9 March 2024. Karolina Bielawska of Poland will crown her successor at the end of the event.
