In the midst of the holiday season, Miss Colombia 2022, Camila Pinzon, has chosen to embrace the spirit of giving in a profound way. Instead of basking in the glitz and glamour, Camila has embarked on an inspirational educational mission in India, focusing on empowering children and advocating for educational opportunities in underserved communities. Her visit is not just a celebrity appearance; it’s a commitment to fostering hope and determination during this significant time of the year.
NGO KHUSHII’s commitment to holistic development has led to the establishment of sanitary pad manufacturing units run by trained and organized Self-Help Groups (SHGs). These units produce biodegradable sanitary pads to serve disadvantaged girls and women. In the last four months, the “Pads for Freedom” campaign has reached 33,000 girls across multiple states in India, making a tangible positive impact on their lives.
Camila’s dedication to educational advocacy is evident in her decision to engage with children in various child centers and underserved communities, going beyond the mere distribution of educational materials. She aims to change mindsets, emphasizing the discipline and transformative power that education holds. In an exclusive statement, she shared, “Becoming Miss Colombia has amplified my voice and extended my reach to a broader audience. It has magnified the impact of my efforts to champion educational policies and challenge societal barriers, allowing me to advocate for positive change on a larger scale.”
Beyond traditional educational initiatives, Camila has chosen to address a critical issue often shrouded in silence: menstrual stigma. Collaborating with KHUSHII’s “Pads for Freedom” campaign, she aims to dispel myths surrounding menstruation and encourage young girls to view menstrual health as a natural and essential aspect of their well-being. The campaign seeks to ensure that girls feel empowered to continue their education without fear or stigma, creating an environment conducive to their academic success.
Camila, deeply engrossed in the varied participant mix at KHUSHII’s Swatantra Shikshaantra School, extended her stay, moved by the impact of the campaign on the lives of children, mothers, and staff members. Her departure was marked not only by promises of a return but also by beautiful memories embedded in a card made especially for her by KHUSHII’s dynamic children.
A passionate advocate for educational policies, Camila holds two master’s degrees from Sorbonne University in Paris and brings an extensive background in management and marketing. Her mission is driven by the belief that education serves as a pivotal tool in eradicating social disparities, echoing her ongoing efforts across ten countries, including recent endeavors in Turkey, Syria, Poland, Ukraine, and Indonesia.
“Education opens doors and transcends boundaries. My goal is to empower these children, irrespective of their circumstances, and instill the belief that with determination, discipline, and education, they can achieve anything they set their minds to,” she shares.
Choosing to visit India during the Christmas season was a deliberate decision for Camila, who views this period as an opportune moment to extend hope and joy to children facing significant challenges, aiming to illuminate their lives during this festive period. Speaking about her decision to include menstrual well-being in her mission, Camila expressed, “Menstrual stigma continues to pose barriers to girls’ education globally. By addressing this issue, we aim to empower girls to embrace their well-being confidently and pursue their educational aspirations without hindrance.”