I am Michèle Ange Minkata, I’m 24-years old and I have a bachelor’s degree in Applied Geography from the University of Buea.

Why are you competing for Miss Africa Calabar 2020?
My journey of self-discovery has made me realize how important it is to be self-aware, empowered, and go for what you believe in no matter the setbacks. I have recently created an academy to empower young girls, through mentorships, supporting women’s entrepreneurial ideas, raising funds to provide education for young girls, and creating awareness around colorism. Knowing the impact Miss Africa Calabar has on the lives of young African women, I know it will be a great platform to make my voice louder and will bring more meaning to my advocacy of beauty coming in different shapes, sizes, and colors.

What solution would you offer for the challenges Africa is facing in terms of the COVID 19 pandemic and other health, governance, and environmental issues?
As a geographer, I considerably know the importance of promoting a green economy and cultivating environmental awareness in order to meet the sustainable development goals of 2030. But more importantly, COVID 19 has come with so many challenges, and our respective governments have put in place the safest measures to prevent the spread. I think we need to champion more sensitization in remote areas of our various countries, and also embrace technology which has proven to be an effective tool to help cope with the new normal. This is something I believe that we all as representatives of our respective nations should work on.
Regarding Governance, I’ll encourage governments to tackle corruption and policies that promote inclusive leadership to build stronger democracies.

What would you do with the prize money should you win and what project would you take on to impact Africa at large?
Firstly, I will fully engage in the sensitization of remote communities on the existence of COVID 19 and the implementation of the preventive measures. I will equally promote the use of technology to embrace the new normal. I also intend to go back to school to study International Relations and Diplomacy, which will help to foster my advocacy which I have been working on for a year now.
I have grown to be stigmatized for my skin color and I am happy the ‘Black Beauty’ movement is already making waves but some people are still facing colorism. People with albinism are ostracized, dehumanized, and killed in some parts of Africa.
In 2019 I partnered with an association to spread awareness on this skin condition. We also organized the first edition of Miss and Mister Albinos Cameroon and through this platform, they were able to showcase their unique beauty and make their voices heard. It is important for us to remind people of how crucial it is to nurture a sense of humanity.