In a world filled with challenges, it is inspiring to come across individuals like Simran Sahib, a 17-year-old game-changer and humanitarian who is determined to make a difference. Passionate about the beauty industry and driven by her desire to create positive change, Simran is the founder of the Legacy Gala, an organization that combats period poverty and provides educational workshops and youth development for girls.
Period poverty remains a pressing issue, affecting over 7 million girls in South Africa alone. Shockingly, 30% of these girls do not attend school due to the lack of access to sanitary products. This unfortunate circumstance perpetuates the gender gap, especially in fields like Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), and has far-reaching consequences on future earning potential, intergenerational poverty, self-esteem, health outcomes, and even the risk of teen pregnancy. The lack of access to proper sanitation further exacerbates the problem, affecting not only the girls but also their teachers and classmates, including young boys who miss out on weeks of education when their female peers are absent.
Simran recognizes the severity of this issue and has taken it upon herself to address it through her Miss Legacy SA platform. Through this pageant, she aims to have a significant impact on thousands of girls and raise awareness about period poverty. Beyond that, she envisions growing the Legacy Gala into a globalized African organization that not only tackles period poverty but also addresses Gender-Based Violence and fosters inclusivity for men.
By creating her own pageant, Legacy Universe South Africa, Simran believes she can reach a broader audience and encourage more people to contribute to the fight against injustices like period poverty. The pageant serves as a platform for advocacy, allowing contestants to become ambassadors for change in their communities. It provides an opportunity for young women to boost their confidence, develop leadership skills, and celebrate the unity of a multicultural nation.
The winner of Miss Legacy SA will also have the honor of representing South Africa in Miss Legacy Universe, while the top finalists will gain free entry into Miss Teen South Africa. This recognition and exposure on the global stage not only offer personal growth and development for the participants but also strengthen the fight against period poverty.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Miss Legacy SA is its commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Simran firmly believes that beneath the superficial differences of skin color, wealth, and accessibility, all individuals are the same. By bringing together representatives from various ethnicities, cultures, backgrounds, ages, abilities, and sizes, the pageant promotes acceptance and unity among contestants and the audience. It challenges social norms and seeks to redefine the narrative of women in Africa and around the world.
Simran Sahib’s dedication to her cause is truly commendable. Her efforts to empower youth, address period poverty, and advocate for inclusivity demonstrate the potential of young people to drive positive change in the world. Through her Miss Legacy SA platform, she is igniting a ripple effect that has the power to transform lives and create a better future for generations to come. It is an inspiration for others to join the fight against injustices and work towards a more equitable and compassionate world. As Simran continues to make waves as a game changer and humanitarian, let us stand with her in solidarity and support her mission to end period poverty and uplift communities worldwide.