A woman who works closely with domestic violence victims wants to use her platform at a pageant final for good.
‘Complete novice’ Victoria McCarthy will brace the stage of Britain’s longest-running beauty contest this week.
The 34-year-old from Eastleigh is hoping to take the crown at Miss Great Britain, while also shining a light on her work.
She said: “I have been working with victims of domestic abuse for 12 years. I thought I would give this subject a platform and use my voice further to make more of an impact.
“I applied online, and I was successful at that stage, then I had an interview with the directors.
“I have never done pageants before, and I did not know how far pageants have evolved. It is fully female, diverse and inclusive.”
Victoria used to watch pageant shows on TV when she was younger, but never considered entering one herself.
“I love glam and dressing up, but I was bullied for more looks when I was younger, so I have never done this – or a catwalk – in my life”, she said.
READ MORE: Women back calls for CCTV as Echo launches Reclaim Our Parks campaign
She added: “But this pageant is very much not about physical appearance, it is more about who you are as a woman and what you give back to the community, and the impact you make, rather than your beauty.
“This is a great platform for me as I really want to continue raising awareness of domestic violence, locally and nationally.
“I remember watching pageants when I was a child as they were a really big thing back in the 90s and early 2000s.
“I had no idea about what it entailed though, and I am a feminist, so I was really, really pleased to see how pageants have evolved.”
Victoria met fellow contestants at a workshop, where she learnt about the process of the pageant, and most importantly, winning.
She said: “The show includes taking part in interviews with a panel of judges and modelling in a fashion show.
“The final is on Friday, and I am really excited.”
Victoria will take to the Miss Great Britain stage on October 18, where a Miss Great Britain, Ms Great Britain, and Ms Great Britain Classic will be crowned.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here