During the just-concluded KVSO–UNESCO Volunteer Programme at the Mara Osero Conservation Project, Green Climate Network had the privilege of meeting Messry Lung’atso , Miss Earth air Kenya 2024. Messry, a beauty queen and fashion enthusiast is celebrated for her passion and unwavering commitment to promoting sustainable fashion practice. In  a one-on-on conversation Messry passionately highlighted how fashion can be used as a force for environmental change:

1.Congratulations Messry Lung’atso on being crowned Miss Earth Air Kenya 2024. How did you earn the crown and what does it mean to you?

Thankyou (smiles). I was part of Miss Earth Kenya org, which promotes environmental and cultural sustainability. I was then crowned Miss Earth Air Kenya 2024 for being actively involved in climate action and using fashion to promote sustainability.Being a beauty Queen means your title represents more than just yourself.

2.In your view, what unique role do women play in shaping climate action in Kenya?

Women in kenya are custodians of natural resources. In rural kenya for instance, they are in charge of fetching water, collecting firewood, and managing household energy. This means they are worst hit by climate challenges like droughts. Women are therefore at a better position to shape climate action, given their experience and challenges.

3.How does pageantry open new spaces for conversations on sustainability and the environment?

Pageants provide platforms for discussions on sustainability and the environment, hence bringing these topics to mainstream audience. Pageants also bring youth from across the country together making it more influential in driving change.

4.How can beauty queens like you use titles such as Miss Earth Air Kenya 2024 to drive climate awareness?

Pageants provide young women with platforms to create awareness. Beauty queens can therefore take advantage of the platform to drive change and create awareness on issues like climate change. They can use the networks they gain while part of the pageant to collaborate with more like minded individuals.

5.Can beauty and fashion be reimagined as tools for promoting green living?

Definitely! Infact the fashion industry has lately been one of the largest polluters of the environment. This calls for sustainable fashion practices. Therefore, beauty can be used to change our ways of life and adapt more sustainable practices, promore less consumption, promote reusing and recycling.

6.What lessons from your journey as Miss Earth Air Kenya 2024 can inspire young women in climate advocacy?

I learnt a handful of lessons in my journey. Most importantly, networking and hence collaboration. In climate advocacy, we need alot of teamwork and this calls for collaboration! I’d advise young women in climate advocacy to collaborate, this goes a long way. Sometimes you may lack enough resources to drive change and teaming up with others doing the same thing will enable you achieve your goals.

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7.How can beauty pageants shift public attitudes towards urgent environmental issues?

Pageants can shift the publics attitude by using their influence and visibility to change how people perceive sustainabilty. Pageant contestants become ambassadors of these topics and use their platforms to create awareness on urgent environmental issues. Pageants inspire people, especially the youth and prove that protecting the environment is empowering and fashionable

8.What challenges do women face in leading climate action, and how can they be overcome?

Women leading climate action in kenya face challenges like underrepresentation in decision making, cultural barriers, limited access to resources. But they can overcome these by creating grassroot networks , advocating for gender sensitive policies and consistently being vocal. And pageantry is a great place to start as it provides a platform to lead climate action.

9.How do you balance glamour with sustainability in your role as a beauty queen?

As a beauty queen I see glamour not just as appearance , but as an avenue for influence. I balance glamour and sustainability using fashion, and my platform to show case eco-friendly choices. I for instance advocate for sustainable fashion. This means promoting cloth swapping, thrifting, upcyling, all in fashionable way. So basically glam does not have trendy and new all the time, glam should be sustainable!

10.Can platforms like Miss Earth Air Kenya help bridge the gap between communities and policymakers on climate?

Definitely! Miss Earth Kenya brings together so many women from different communities who lead community initiatives. During bootcamp, the ladies are trained by professionals on climate issues including policies on climate. The ladies are expected to pass this knowledge to their individual communities. During climate conferences, we get opportunity to attend and contribute to the decision making process. I will has already helped bridge that gap atleast from my experience.

11. What message would you share with girls who dream of combining leadership, beauty, and environmental impact?

I will tell them to go for it! They are capable and nothing should hold them back. As girls , we can be leaders, embody beauty and drive environmental impact. We are powerful ! Use your power!