Preparing to take the stage representing Ethiopia at the Miss World pageant, Ruth Yirgalem Weldesilasie thinks of her sister, who was abducted and murdered ahead of the contest.
"I'm going to change my pain to my purpose," the 25-year-old told AFP in Vietnam's coastal Nha Trang city, as 111 contestants gathered for the Saturday night pageant finale.
This summer, Ruth's 29-year-old elder sister Kidusan Yirgalem Weldesilasie was kidnapped for ransom -- disappearing from her side as she prepared for the global beauty contest.
Kidusan was discovered dead, her remains split between two suitcases, in late July. Ruth's best friend of a decade and her best friend's boyfriend are among 10 suspects who have been arrested, she said.
Violence against women and girls is endemic in Ethiopia's deeply patriarchal society.
#sister #contest #year #Ethiopia
"I'm going to change my pain to my purpose," the 25-year-old told AFP in Vietnam's coastal Nha Trang city, as 111 contestants gathered for the Saturday night pageant finale.
This summer, Ruth's 29-year-old elder sister Kidusan Yirgalem Weldesilasie was kidnapped for ransom -- disappearing from her side as she prepared for the global beauty contest.
Kidusan was discovered dead, her remains split between two suitcases, in late July. Ruth's best friend of a decade and her best friend's boyfriend are among 10 suspects who have been arrested, she said.
Violence against women and girls is endemic in Ethiopia's deeply patriarchal society.
#sister #contest #year #Ethiopia
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