Miss Progress Malaysia Takes On Global Stage To Combat Period Poverty

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 30 (Bernama) -- Miss Progress Malaysia 2023, Sunoshini Dhanabalan, is on a mission to combat global period poverty.

The 26-year-old full-time model and event organiser is set to represent Malaysia at the prestigious Miss Progress International pageant, scheduled to be held in Puglia, Italy from Sept 15-25. 

Sunoshini’s dedication to tackling period poverty was sparked by a personal experience during a hiking trip, when she found herself without access to menstrual products.

Determined to make a difference, she embarked on ‘Project Red’, a initiative aimed at providing free sanitary pads to underprivileged girls. 

"If a woman can't access menstruation with dignity, it's intrinsically related to a human rights issue," she told Bernama. 

Sunoshini’s ongoing work with ‘Project Red’ aligns perfectly with her focus in addressing the fundamental right of women to manage their periods safely and with dignity, where more than 6,000 packs of free sanitary pads have been donated to the underprivileged girls through the project. 

Speaking about the alarming prevalence of period poverty worldwide, Sunoshini highlighted that nearly 500 million girls miss school due to lack of menstrual hygiene resources. 

Hailing from the Malaysian state of Negeri Sembilan, Sunoshini reveals that each participant in the Miss Progress International pageant is tasked with developing a project. She chose to focus on Human Rights, a choice that harmoniously aligns with her passionate stance on period poverty. 

Sunoshini's journey towards the Miss Progress International crown transcends personal aspirations; it's a gateway to effecting positive change in countless lives. She issues a poignant call to the younger generation, urging them to believe in the power of progress and seeks their unwavering support in her journey.

"This victory won't only transform my life but will also serve as a catalyst to transform the lives of others," said Sunoshini, who holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a specialisation in International Business.

The annual 10-day Miss Progress International pageant is renowned for celebrating intelligence alongside beauty. It advocates for crucial issues such as human rights, environmental conservation, cultural integration, and public health.

-- BERNAMA