
CURTIAL CEO of Miss Madagascar, Christelle RAKOTONIAINA sees the future of the Miss Madagascar competition. The time of an interview, she was kind enough to answer a few questions
Midi Madagasikara: Can you introduce yourself briefly?
Christelle Rakotoniaina: I am Christelle Rakotoniaina, entrepreneur, mother and president and chief executive officer of the Miss Madagascar competition.
MM. : How did the idea of Miss Madagascar come to you?
Cr. :: Our parents are philanthropists and instilled in us this value during our childhood. Later, we wanted to perpetuate this but on a larger scale. The beauty contest is an ideal platform to materialize the project. As a result, Miss Madagascar begins her first edition in 2011.
MM. : What is its importance at national and international levels?
Cr. :: At the national level, we want to help vulnerable people and give young people an example by focusing more on humans in the first place. Second, as for any beauty contest, promoting Madagascar and showing the richness and the value of Malagasy beauty on the catwalks. The “fihavanana” and mutual aid, however, remain important points to convey each edition. In the same way, the competition serves as a showcase for Malagasy stylists. An opportunity for them to publicize the Malagasy know-how worldwide.
MM. : How do you choose the cause (s) to defend? Associations benefiting from social works?
Cr. :: Regarding the causes to be defended, we essentially choose specific causes that we defend in Madagascar in the first place. Whether it is a cultural subject, a personally important cause for the Miss Madagascar because of her experience, or taboo subjects but which however exist in society.
As for associations benefiting from Miss Madagascar aid, it is especially those that join the causes defended by Miss Madagascar as well as those which are led by volunteers and who are without support. However, orphanages benefit from aid, as are vulnerable people such as widows and the elderly in difficulty.
MM. : Defending the colors of an international country is a major challenge, how do you do your results?
Cr. :: For better results, the Miss Madagascar elected follows the directives and meets the challenges of Miss World by making charitable and social works as much as it can afford it during her reign. On the other hand, the election of a person meeting the criteria required by the competition is essential.
MM. : What is the role and commitment of the committee vis-à-vis the Miss?
Cr. :: The Miss Madagascar Committee ensures the financial side of the Miss elected from here to the Miss Monde competition. Likewise, it also strengthens the capacities and skills of the Miss in its preparation to raise all the challenges imposed on the Miss World competition.
MM. : During these 9 editions, what changed?
Cr. :: As the Malagasy has assimilated the concept and objectives of Miss World and their active participation, especially during the “voting” allowed Madagascar to have a good place in the ranking. An encouragement that comes to the heart when the common goal is to defend the colors of Madagascar together.
MM. : How do you see the competition in ten years?
Cr. :: In ten years, we hope that the Miss Madagascar competition will have its place in all regions of the Big Island, and that the human side is more taken into account. And why not bring the Miss World Crown back to Madagascar?
Collected by Zo Toniaina