In the realm of beauty and grace, one name shines brighter than the rest – Jameela Uiras, who was crowned as Miss Namibia 2023 a week ago.
Uiras has captured the hearts of the nation with her radiance and talent.
With a passion for modelling that was ignited at a young age, Uiras has carved a path of success and become a source of inspiration for aspiring models as a sparkling jewel that radiates the beauty and charm of Namibia.
Uiras completed her high school education in 2018 at Khomas High School, and says she only recently developed a deep appreciation for pageants.
With a strong sense of self, Uiras decided to participate in Miss Namibia, driven by her desire to make headlines at Miss Universe.
“Entering Miss Namibia was something that I had pondered for quite some time. I aim to showcase the beauty of my country and bring well-deserved recognition to our nation as a whole. My love for my country runs deep and this is one of the primary reasons for my participation.
“I am motivated to put my country back on the map and portray it as the well-put-together nation that it is. Additionally, I see this as an opportunity to enhance my personal brand.”
One of Uiras’ desires was to overcome her fear of speaking in front of a large audience. She says she felt the need to overcome her anxiety and develop the confidence to address a crowd, and the Miss Namibia platform provided the perfect stage for her to grow and step outside her comfort zone.
Uiras lost her mother in September 2022 and strives to honour her memory and make her proud by seizing the Miss Namibia opportunity, by demonstrating her strengths and abilities to a wider audience and serving as a beacon of hope and a source of courage.
“My journey as the reigning Miss Namibia has just begun and it’s filled with exciting changes. With my new title, I have shouldered greater responsibilities, but the experience is incredibly rewarding and enjoyable. The organisation behind Miss Namibia has been incredibly supportive, showering us with an overwhelming amount of care and attention. While I’m unsure if this level of pampering is the norm, I am immensely grateful for their thoughtfulness. Above all, this experience has heightened my self-awareness more than ever before,” she says.
Taking part in the Miss Namibia pageant has altered her life tremendously, and she says it has been an incredibly transformative journey.
“I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the challenging days filled with self-doubt and tears. However, I firmly believe in the strength and perseverance within me, which urged me to push forward. This experience has not only provided me with a platform to meet influential individuals, but has also allowed me to redefine the meaning of influence itself. Throughout my Miss Namibia journey, I have encountered remarkable individuals who have taught me invaluable lessons. Their influence on me has been immeasurable,” she says.
During her reign, Uiras aims to use her voice and platform to make a positive impact on her community and showcase the beauty and potential of Namibia. She aspires to represent the strength, resilience and compassion of the Namibian people, and highlight the incredible potential that lies within our country.
As the reigning Miss Namibia, she says her primary focus is to empower the youth and inspire individuals to utilise their lives for the greater good of society by taking action on issues they consider important.
“I strongly believe that my duty extends beyond advocacy, and I am committed to offering assistance and support wherever I can. Additionally, I am dedicated to preparing myself to represent my country in the upcoming international pageant,” Uiras says.
When Uiras is not strutting on the runway, she can be found spinning the discs as a skilled jockey. She is also a netball player and loves playing golf.
“I believe I embody gratitude, humility and a strong sense of self. I personally perceive myself as the funniest person I have ever encountered. However, above all else, family holds the utmost importance in my life, and I consider myself to be family-oriented. I occasionally dabble in the graceful art of playing piano but I’m still an amateur pianist,” she says.
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