By Mariam Williams
The seventh edition of Miss Fulbeh Gambia International Beauty Pageant was on Friday held at a colourful ceremony in Pencha mi Hall- Paradise Suites Hotel.
The lultural Beauty Pageant is an annual event for the Haal Pulaar Union in the Gambia, and it’s said to be the “most successful pageant talk show” since its inception in 2014. The aim of the pageant is to promote Fulani culture as it is their identity.
The event has series of activities, notably a big cultural jam that aims to promote their different and diverse cultures in the Gambia; a symposium that seeks to advocate for women empowerment in their societies; a football tournament that brings peace and unity amongst the Fula community; and a refreshing gala and award night to recognize prominent Gambians that are supporting and playing their quota in national development .
Ms. Maladou Jallow is the Secretary General of Miss Fulbeh Gambia International, and she told this medium that this year’s pageant, with the theme “our culture is our identity”, is staged by their “all stars” that contested in the previous years, since the inception of the pageant.
She noted that the Miss Fulbeh used to be a self-sponsored entity but last year they were fortunate to be sponsored.
However, Jallow said they never get any sponsors from the government in order to empower these young girls, lamenting “we have been to many offices seeking for sponsors and none of them answered to our calls, in terms of sponsoring us”.
SG Jallow added: “We are not doing this to get something out of it, but we are doing it for the love and passion. We feel the need to empower girls and bring our culture back to life.” She underlined that the main purpose of Miss Fulbeh is to support the girl-child.
Describing this year’s event as successful, she congratulated all the winners and participants. “You are all Queens,” Jallow encouraged.
The Crowned winner and Miss Talent for 2020 -All Stars– is Queen Mariama Jallow aka Bobo.
1st Runner-up went to Miss Aji Isatou Nyan.
2nd Runner-up and Miss Entertainment went to Miss Zainab Jallow.
People’s Choice, the most disciplined and Miss Congeniality— Miss Isatou Bah.
The winner of Miss Photogenic and Cultural Ambassador is Miss Awa Sey.
Miss Elegance went to Miss Ramatoulie Jawo.
Miss Alimatou Jallow went home with ‘Miss Personality’ award.
Meanwhile, Mr. Yusupha P. Baldeh, President of Miss Fulbeh Gambia International, has declared that the winner [Crowned Queen] is to represent the Gambia in United States of America, while the 1st and the 2nd runner-ups will represent the country in Senegal.