Cape Verde will host, for the first time, the casting to elect the official representative in the Miss Universe contest. The founder of the Little Crowns Foundation, Nereida Lobo, presented Miss Universe Cape Verde at a press conference on Tuesday 24th.

According to Nereida Lobo, the launch of this contest marks a new stage in the trajectory begun with Miss Cape Verde International, an initiative which, over the years, has contributed to the appreciation, international exposure and personal development of young Cape Verdeans.

Nereida Lobo believes that the arrival of Miss Universe in Cape Verde represents “a natural evolution” of the work done so far, reinforcing the commitment to creating opportunities, giving women a voice and promoting the country across borders.

“Miss Universe is now much more than a beauty contest, it has become a platform for leadership, communication and social impact,” he said.

Nereida Lobo explains that its implementation in Cape Verde will make it possible to give greater visibility to the talent, culture and potential of Cape Verdean women. “The process of acquiring the license required the presentation of a solid plan and the demonstration of the country's capacity to integrate this global network at the highest level.”.

Nominations for Miss Universe Cape Verde officially open this Friday, March 27, which symbolically coincides with Cape Verdean Women's Day.

The competition will be structured in four phases: initial selection of 40 candidates; choice of 20 finalists based on public and jury evaluation; participation in an intensive two-week bootcamp; final event to elect the national representative.

The competition is open to Cape Verdean women aged 18 or over, living in the country or in the diaspora, regardless of their marital status or whether they have children.

Nereida Lobo warns that the date of the final event, which will elect Cape Verde's representative at Miss Universe, will be announced soon.

The global event, Miss Universe, will take place in November this year in Puerto Rico, with candidates from 135 countries, including the winner from Cape Verde.

The project has a partnership with the Tourism Institute, in a collaboration that reinforces the role of Miss Universe Cape Verde as a tool for international promotion of the destination.

According to Nereida Lobo, the initiative aims not only to value the role of women, but also to contribute to the affirmation of Cape Verde as a country of culture, talent and opportunities.

Source: Island Express