Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Nduduzo Tshuma
17 November 2008
Harare — The inaugural Miss Autonomy 2008 HIV/AIDS Stigma free pageant is set to take place in Bulawayo on 20 November to commemorate the annual World Aids Day on 1 December this year.
According to organisers the aim of the pageant a brainchild of Simeon Makota the Managing Director of Media Craft is to reduce stigma attached to HIV/AIDS and show people living with the pandemic that even if they are positive they can also do things like the rest of the people in society.
The virus has infected roughly a third of the Southern African countries' population and the pageant is a fun way to educate people about the need to erase stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS, said Nhlanhla Ncube a representative of the organisers.
Ncube said that the task of the Stigma Free Queen is to challenge the misconceptions and stigma associated with [people living with HIV/AIDS in the country.
"The winner will travel around the country teaching the importance of testing and how to live positively with HIV/AIDS," said Ncube.
He added that the event would be a success if they get support from the corporate sector to help push the project to higher levels.
"The pageant, first of its kind will prove to be a great and successful event if all stakeholders support this enormous initiative.
The event needs financial support from governmental departments, HIV/AIDS organisations, NGOs', the business community and other stakeholders.
"Imagine if we could work with sports personalities and use their influence to preach behavior change in our community," he said.
Ncube also revealed that the models were sourced from different regions of the country through the assistance of the National Aids Council.
There will be a testing centre at the venue so that people interested in testing will do so freely.
"The models will parade in the city centre on the afternoon of the show then in the evening during the event. we asked the National Aids Council to erect a cubicle so that those interested in testing will do so," he said.
At the end of the pageant Ncube said they were looking forward to increasing HIV/AIDS testing by 70 percent and strengthen referral networks among key stakeholders at both national and grassroots level.
"Again we want to reduce the cases of stigma and discrimination and promote and enhance the greater involvement and empowerment of people living with HIV/AIDS.
"We also envisage producing a reality TV show, a documentary on HIV/AIDS Stigma Free, developing a website for the Miss Autonomy-HIV/AIDS Stigma free pageant. She will be holding anonymous correspondence and e-forum discussions with the purpose of providing more information on services available and referral networks and programmes in place for the general public," he said.
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Then there will be another pangeant for the Cholera infacted, the TB infected, Asthma infected and so forth; Before introducing yet another for the over 80, for non-virgins, for the raped and for the starved.