Interview with Miss Interglobal U.K. 2020 – Abigail Kabirou

Firstly thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions about your pageant journey for my pageant lockdown blog. It’s been amazing getting to know fellow pageant queens and more about the systems they represent.

What made you decide to enter pageants ?

I have always had a fascination with pageantry from a young age. When I started to get into modelling at 17 I met people from the pageant industry. Finding out it was no where near as superficial and the intellect and discipline that was also required truly inspired me.

Previous titles ?

Miss Teen Africa UK 1st Princess Miss sovereign GB 1RU

So you have competed before, can you tell us about your journey?

My pageant journey started with miss teen Africa UK. The journey it took me required so much introspective work and I remember after being crowned the moment I stepped of stage I look back at the past three months leading up to the final. I realised I had completely change frontje better and was making strides towards becoming a woman; I explored my femininity and how to express this, I improved my public speaking and most important of all, I had truly come to understand my purpose and how to live life in accordance with it. Seeing the community and positivity that was attached to pageantry I continued to compete as I saw the impact of pageantry and the platform it provided. I went on to compete in my first ‘Miss’ competing around Galaxy which was a huge learning curve to say the least 😂. Despite feeling defeated due to my performance (and very embarrassing tumble on stage) it made me think of what differences there had been between my preparation this time and previously. So I recentered and refocused and entered Miss Sovereign GB. I placed first runner up and still coming off the pageant high about a week later I entered miss Intercontinental, a system I absolutely fell in love with and placed top 8! I was due to go back this year but life had something else planned for me.

What made you decide to compete in the Miss Interglobal Organisation ?

I was approached by the Miss Interglobal organisation and asked to represent the UK. When I first received the message I honestly though it was a hoax but the directors have such a positive attitude and the ethos of beauty and humanity is one I truly aim to embody and being part of the inaugural competition is quite exciting.

What the best thing that pageants have taught you ?

That being yourself is more than enough. It reminded me how important your uniqueness is. In a world where we are often socialised and taught that we have to fit a specific mould it’s important to remember that being different is not a bad thing!

What’s your pageant platform and why ?

My platform is around empowering young women to be and do everything they aspire to and more. As a young girl I was always asked how I managed to do everything and why I didn’t focus on one thing. I used to train for karate 5 days a week and later that was athletics, attended choir and actively partook in church programmes whilst also starting pageantry. Despite not having many days off I’ve never felt unhappy because of it because I’ve always done the things I love. With ‘She’s the difference’ I aim to celebrate and highlight the women that conquer both their 9-5 as well their 5-9! I also have a love for education and have supported the charity Camfed for some years now who provide education to girls in 3rd world countries. I’ve also suffered from Hemiplegic migraines for the past 5 years and want to use my platform to bring more awareness to this cause.

What’s your dream title ?

As cliche as it sound my dream title is Miss Universe. Before I even entered my first pageant I always dreamt of being able to go to Miss Universe but never thought that could ever become a reality. Who knows where you’ll see me in the future.

What’s the best advice you have for fellow pageant queens ?

Be you and do good! People will always have a lot to say; whether it is about your appearance, your involvement in pageantry, your beliefs, whatever it may be. But a clear conscience will always beat anything anyone could ever say to you.

What have you been doing since you won ?

I have been working hard on my platform and trying to expand it! I’ve been working out more trying to get my dream body. Not because it’s something I feel is required but more so because I know I’ve let myself go in terms of keeping up my fitness.

How was the lockdown due to COVID19 effected your pageant journey?

I’ve not been able to go and do as many appearances as I would’ve liked to. But as a keyworker I definitely feel fulfilled in servicing my community even without my crown on. I’ve also spent a lot of time planning exciting online appearances and things to do for when lockdown is over.

What makes a good pageant role model ?

I believe a good pageant role model is someone who exemplifies grace, humility, passion and authenticity.

What’s your favourite pageant round ?

It has to be evening wear honestly! I’m obsessed with gorgeous gowns.

How do you deal with pageant nerves ?

Usually I tell myself to have fun and enjoy the moment. From the minute you step on stage till the crowning moment honestly feels like 5 minutes whenever I look back. I try to love in the moment as much as I can and take mental snapshots.

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions it’s been lovely reading more about your pageant journey, your platform and the system you represent. Much love, Charlotte, Ms Diamond South Yorkshire 2020.