Southern star shines bright

Mihiret Abebe: Miss World Ethiopia 2007
Beauty pageants, once banned, and then highly controversial are today a mainstay of the Ethiopian social circuit. Ideally, Ethiopian women have been receiving wide acclaim for their remarkable grace, poise and stunning looks-descriptions amply demonstrated by Mihiret Abebe, latest Miss Ethiopia 2007.
Capital’s Kirubel Tadesse caught up with the buoyant winner and discussed her win and the upcoming Miss World pageant in China.

Capital: Tell us who Mihiret Abebe is?
MWE, Mihiret: I was born in a small town called Teferi Kela in Sidmao region. My town is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. There was no significant development but I hope I can now help in the development efforts of the city. I was living there until grade four and moved to Awassa. I have attended the rest of my elementary classes in Hayeke School and grade nine and ten at Addis Ketema high school in Awassa. I am now in grade twelve at Tabore preparatory high school.

Capital: Tell us a little bit about your family and friends?
Mihiret: I have five brothers and four sisters, all of my sisters are beautiful like I am (smile). They have been very supportive specially my brother Abebayew. My mom, my brothers and few other close family members were here with me at the contest final night; it was very exciting to share my happiness with them. I have lots of friends in Awassa, most of them are tall and beautiful and wish to persue modeling. They are all excited and happy for me.

Capital: How did you enter this pageant?
Mihiret: I first wanted to participate on Miss World Ethiopia 2005. I came to Addis Ababa and filled out all the necessary documents but the competition was not organized then. I think for that year they sent the previous year's first runner up to fill the gap. When I saw this year's competition advertised on TV, I said let me give it a try and the fact that I was Miss Awassa in a pageant organized by Tadesse Enjori Hotel yearly, helped in building my confidence.

Capital: How was the pageant? How did the over all process go?
Mihiret: For me, it was really a great experience. I feel very proud to win among these beautiful girls, especially the last twenty four. The judges had to pick one so they picked me, That makes me proud but the fact that I was picked from this group of lovely Ethiopian ladies makes me more proud. All the process went smoothly. The preparations and the trainings were a little bit exhausting but we enjoyed it since we knew that we had to take those trainings if we were to represent Ethiopia, a country full of beautiful girls. We were not only taking trainings and preparing for the contest but also took a part in the millennium celebrations. We planted trees at two different sites and all of the twenty four girls visited and tried to comfort kids who lost their parents to HIV in a visit prepared by the organizer, ARTELE Enterprise.

Capital: How does it feel to be Miss World Ethiopia and the first from the regions?
Mihiret: It is a wonderful feeling, I am really happy. Proud to be the first Miss Ethiopia from the regions.

Capital: You told me that you were sure of winning. Was that a feeling you had when you saw the rest of the contestants? Did you say ' I am sure I will be on top …’?
Mihiret: No …no… that was not it. You have seen all of them, and they were beautiful. The judges believed that I would represent the nation better. It is not all body and glamour, they were interviewing us the whole afternoon so whatever they saw special in me is only for them to say I believe all of us were winners.

Capital: Except Hayat Ahmed, who got the title of Miss Africa on Continental Queen's award and made it to the semi-finals on 2003 Miss World competition, other Ethiopians failed the first screening. Why do you think that is?
Mihiret: I think one of the reasons for their failure is the organizing company behind them. They did not let the previous winners share with the current representative so that she can have some idea of what is expected. The girls used to go without having any idea of what they will face. They may not show or present what they had planned to and things turned out opposite to their expectations. Contestants used to go with their own personal preparation and that hurts the chances you have in the competition. Now with the help of ARTELE, I am getting help and working with Hayat Ahmed and other former Miss Ethiopias. When one girl is named Miss World Ethiopia, organizers think that their task is finished but that is not the case. She needs support and cooperation from the public and from the organizers so that she can represent her country and earn the position she deserves in the Miss World competition.

Capital: You will represent Ethiopia in Miss World competition in six weeks; what are your preparations and expectations?
Mihiret: I am working together with Artele enterprise professionals and former winners so that I can perform well in representing my country in China. I will try my best to become Miss World 2007 and make all Ethiopians proud. When I see the athletes introducing the Ethiopian millennium across the world, I was saying that if I become Miss Ethiopia, I will do the same. Here I am with the chance and I will use all the opportunity I get to introduce my country and its third new millennium. That will be easy if I become Miss World 2007 (smile), so that's what I am working for. My expectation is just one; we Ethiopians are always the best so as any Ethiopian girl, I won't settle for less. The Miss World 2007 Crown will be mine with the support and efforts of all Ethiopians.

Capital: How can the nation help you in the China Pageant?
Mihiret: I am sure that all Ethiopians who have access will vote and support me. You know the world adores Ethiopian beauty …and almost every thing about us, so I expect I will get the support of many fans.

Capital: Have you been dieting for this competition?
Mihiret: I have never been on a diet, not just recently but never at all. I eat when I feel like it.

Capital: What kind of food do you like?
Mihiret: I don't have any special choice, I love eating all of our foods if cooked properly, but I would say Kitfo (minced meat). I am Gurage so that may explain why I love Kitfo.

Capital: Do you exercise? What kind of sports do you like?
Mihiret: I like bicycling. Most Awassa girls are good bicycle riders; it is common for a girl to own a bike in my city. There are beautiful places for swimming in Awassa, so sometimes I go there and enjoy with friends.