Miss Panama 2018

Posted on September 6, 2018 by Kris Cunningham

For the first time an indigenous woman, Rosa Montezuma, has been chosen to represent Panama in the Miss Universe competition. This is significant because she grew up in the Comarca (indigenous territory) and life there is really tough, especially for girls and women.

A welcome home by her people after winning the crown.

Check out this Wikipedia article especially the second half that talks about daily life in the Comarca. They live by subsistence farming without running water or electricity, or many other things we consider necessities. Poverty and malnutrition are very real problems. Many places aren’t accessible for parts of the year, and transportation is by foot or horse. This makes access to health care and education almost impossible for many. They speak their native languages and many of the men and even more of the women don’t speak Spanish. Rosa, however, against these great odds went to school, then high school, and then to Panama City for a university education.

Read more about her story in her own words HERE.

Rosa Montezuma

When you grow up in a culture, in a way of life and that’s all you have experienced it’s hard to imagine becoming something different, and even harder to actually do it. This young woman deserves a whole lot of credit, as does her family who encouraged her. She wants to be an inspiration to others, especially the women and girls, that you can rise above your circumstances and change your life.

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About Kris Cunningham

We live in David, Chiriqui Provence, Republic of Panama! This blog is about some of our experiences in our new country.
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9 Responses to Miss Panama 2018

  1. Anonymous says:
    September 6, 2018 at 11:38 am

    Thanks so much for your writings, Kris. I appreciate you sharing what you are experiencing.

    Like

  2. Mariah says:
    September 6, 2018 at 1:58 pm

    Thanks for sharing this information Kris. What a remarkable and brave young woman.

    Like

  3. Eliza Ayres says:
    September 6, 2018 at 2:22 pm

    Reblogged this on Blue Dragon Journal.

    Like

  4. Sherry Felix says:
    September 7, 2018 at 2:55 am

    Nice to hear. Good for her.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Anonymous says:
    September 8, 2018 at 9:07 am

    Great story! I’d vote for her in a heartbeat!!

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Anonymous says:
    September 12, 2018 at 7:00 pm

    This young woman will open the door of opportunity for others. Congratulations to Miss Montezuma. Thank you for sharing, Kris.

    Like

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