SEVERAL candidates to the Mrs. Tourism 2017 beauty pageant gave their unsolicited advice to women who are victims of domestic violence.
During press presentation for the candidates of Mrs. Tourism 2017 pageant held at the West Avenue Suites in Quezon City last Saturday, Mrs. Philippines Dr. Riza Caldoza de Leon said that battered wives should be empowered by keeping themselves busy.
“As a doctor, I had patients who are battered especially the younger ones. Kasi s’yempre wala pang voice yan eh. They are under the thumbs of their husbands. So I would tell them that they have to empower themselves. The No. 1 thing that they can do is work because if they are not working, lahat hihingiin sa asawa.”
“But if they have money of their own, they can stand for their rights. And they have earning of their own. They will have the power to buy their own things, and gain that much needed self-confidence. For battered women, the confidence is very low. So I advise them to get work, earn money, and try to stand up for themselves. It’s hard but at the end of the day, they can do it,” said De Leon.
Mrs. New Zealand Marivic Murray said: “Being a mother, it’s really hard to balance being a mom and a working mom and having kids. In New Zealand, we have this place called ‘Women Refuge’ where we take battered women so that they can have a better chance in life. If you’re a battered woman, it doesn’t mean that you don’t have a chance in life anymore. So you have to be really on your toes and make the best you can. Have the courage to get out there and present yourself.”
Mrs. South Africa Sashqia Boshoff said: “Be yourself and make time to be a woman. And then spend your time in helping everyone. Also help yourself. Make time for doing what you love. If you love cooking, then cook! Cook with all of your heart but also, don’t forget to take care of yourself.”
Mrs. Singapore Krati Agrawal said: “First of all, you yourself should feel encouraged and then it is the best platform to collect your own confidence. So to educate the people about the advocacy or issues you feel strongly about, you can spread awareness, educate the people about them and also tell them how to handle the various issues our earth is facing.”
The Mrs. Tourism 2017 beauty pageant will crown three queens: Mrs. Tourism Earth, Mrs. Tourism International, and Mrs. Tourism Universe at the Star Mall in San Jose Del Monte in Bulacan on Oct. 28.
Pageant organizer Ovette Ricalde said that the winners will be the faces and voices of the pageant’s advocacy to stop racial discrimination and promote her own social platform.
Prior to the finals, the candidates will travel to Lucena and Tayabas, Quezon for pre-pageant activities on national costume, talent, and fun shoot.
