What is it like to be Miss Ireland?
This week on Lunchtime Live, Jasmine Gerhardt, Miss Ireland 2024 and Miss World contestant came to answer questions about her life as a beauty pageant contestant.
Ms Gerhardt said participating in Miss Ireland was something she had hoped to do for many years.
“I actually went for Miss Ireland three times,” she said.
“My Mam was in Miss Ireland and it was always something I wanted to do.
“So, when I went for it the third time, it was third time lucky and I won.
“It’s been a long process but it’s definitely been worth the journey.”
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Miss World is due to be held in India this year at the end of May and Ms Gerhardt said it is important to her that the competition focuses on how contestants are changing their communities.
“Miss World has a massive advocacy [element] behind it,” she said.
“It’s called ‘Beauty With A Purpose’; so, each woman who competes at Miss World will bring forward their advocacy.
“So, it’s not just about luck and what you have to say, it’s really about the work that you’re doing on the ground.”
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One listener texted in to ask what her preferred topic of debate for Miss Ireland?
“As a paralegal, I like to argue a lot - or debate shall we say,” she said.
“I’d love to open up topics about domestic violence and legislation that we can put forward to combat that.
“Because that’s something I really stand for and I’d like to open conversations about the importance of that.”
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Another messaged to ask if she felt any less of feminist after taking part?
“No, not at all,” she said.
“I’m a human rights lawyer and I stand for people all over the world.
“But especially women and I’ve worked so closely with domestic violence charities in Ireland.
“Without this title, I don’t think I’d be able to get this message across so well.”
Ms Gerhardt was also asked for advice to young people looking to take part?
“I entered into Miss Ireland three times and I failed twice,” she said.
“As a young person it really knocked me down; but I would say… it really created a lot of resilience in me and strength.
“I would say, never ever give up on your dreams and just keep going for it.”
Main image: Jasmine Gerhardt. Image by: Newstalk.
