A TAUNTON woman will represent her country in the Regency International Pageant in Las Vegas after winning the Ms Diamond UK title at the weekend.
Sarah Kana-ah, who has donated hundreds of toys to Musgrove Park Hospital and a domestic abuse refuge in Taunton, will travel to Nevada with other pageant winners in July 2023.
Other titles awarded at the ceremony include Miss Diamond UK, Mrs Diamond UK and Mr Diamond UK. There were also four winners from Ireland.
Sarah has dedicated her title to survivors of domestic abuse and says she aims to be a “symbol of strength to survivors far and wide”.
She said: “This means so much to me to be able to go to internationals to help empower more survivors of abuse through basic self-defence techniques and educating around healthy boundaries and red flags.
“Domestic violence isn’t just something that’s happening locally or nationally, it’s happening worldwide.
“I started my Diamond journey in May as Ms Diamond Somerset. In total, I did 80 appearances and collected over £1,000 for various charities.”.
Before the pageant in Leeds, Sarah completed an abseil dressed as Superwoman and 70-mile bike ride for CoppaFeel!, and she organised a football kit collection for children in Kenya.
She said: “I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who gave me gifts and cards this weekend and to the judges who believed in me and have given me this incredible opportunity.
“And to the hosts and everyone who cheered, clapped and supported me on stage. You really helped give me the confidence to shine on that stage.
“To the two directors, Danni and Tina, thank you for creating such an incredible system that I'm truly proud to be a part of. Without you both, none of this would be happening.
“I want to continue being a symbol of strength to others to help them realise they are enough and that they can get out and live a happy, safe life.”
During lockdown, Sarah launched a digital platform called Empower – Protecting Women’s Safety to teach basic self-defence techniques and protection skills.
The group also educates its members about healthy boundaries in relationships and ‘red flags’.
“My group helps to strengthen a women’s mental state to help empower them with tools to recognise threats and how to deal with them as well as building confidence to see the worthiness of themselves and making them aware that there is help out there for them,” said Sarah.
“Many victims already feel that it's their fault, ashamed, and powerless – I know, I've been there – but that's definitely not true.”
A spokesperson for Miss Diamond United Kingdom and Ireland said: “What an incredible weekend we have had and a huge congratulations to all our new Diamond Kings and Queens.
“Every single contestant was amazing, and the judges had some very hard decisions to make.
“What an incredible team we have, and we look forward to following you throughout the year and can’t wait to see you all rock that Vegas stage!”
Sarah has advised anybody who is experiencing abuse to seek help from family members, friends, or services like SIDAS or REFUGE.
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