Miss Seychelles contestant Ruth Bonté wants to shine light on 'taboo' subject: teenage pregnancy

Miss Seychelles Another World Contestant 5: Ruth Bonté. (Michel Toule-Thilatier/Miss Seychelles - National Pageant-Facebook)

(Seychelles News Agency) - Talking about sexual relations among teenagers remains a taboo subject in this island nation that leads to unwanted teenage pregnancy, a Miss Seychelles Another World contestant says.

Ruth Bonté has chosen to highlight the issue through her community fulfillment project entitled ‘Teenage Pregnancy; Innovating Prevention Techniques.'

“Teenagers are not at ease to talk about sex with their parents. This leads to non-informed decisions and teenage pregnancies,” she said the SNA.

Besides photo shoots and catwalk training, fitness challenges, and charity events preparing a beauty with a purpose project is also a key task given to the Miss Seychelles contestants.

Bonté’s main focus is on teenage pregnancy which according to her research for the project have accounted for over 10 percent of all reported pregnancies in Seychelles in recent years.

One of 12 contestants battling for the Miss Seychelles crown in 2016, Bonté says she plans to lobby for the revision of some policies that has to do with consent to have sexual relationships, use of contraceptives and marriage.

Working with the education, health ministries and other partners to improve the delivery of information to teenagers is also included in her project.

At 1.78 metres, Bonté who works as a web developer is among the tallest contestants. The eldest of three siblings describes herself as a friendly and outgoing person.

She believes that the annual Miss Seychelles Another World pageant is an important platform as it chooses the face that will represent Seychelles internationally.

“Seychelles is such a small country and it is a wonderful idea to have a beautiful girl represent our country and make our presence known at the international level.”

Bonté is not new to pageantry, having taken part in the Miss Regatta two years ago. The Regatta is an annual weekend of aquatic sports activities and fun fair held at Beau Vallon in the north of the main island, Mahé.

Her reappearance in a national pageant is thanks to her modelling job at the Telly’s modelling Agency.

“I was not interested in the Miss Seychelles beauty contest until the owner of the modelling agency I work for encouraged me to give it a try,” said Bonté.

Hailing from Anse Etoile, in the north of Mahé, the 22-year-old says she is confident of her abilities and is currently enjoying every aspect of the contest.

“It’s a great opportunity to learn different things in a short period of time and I find the preparations to be very interesting,” she told SNA.

Bonté, says she loves the positive atmosphere and friendly relationship that has developed among the contestants participating in the pageant.

“The team bonding is excellent and right now we’ve all got each other’s back and really motivating each other. It’s like a sisterhood.”

Feeling ready for crowning night on May 28, Bonté has one advice for all the other contenders: “Be confident, smile, go out there and impress everyone.” 

Editor’s Note: Twelve contestants are taking part in the 2016 Miss Seychelles Another World pageant. The crowning ceremony will take place on Saturday May 28. SNA is writing feature stories on each participant in the order they appear as contestants up to the crowning night.