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“MY life ambition is to deconstruct the notion that a woman’s worth is defined by her virginity.”
These were the words of a 30-year-old model, Monika Clarke, who says she found her passion in modelling after it was cut short in 2014 when she fell pregnant.
On returning to modelling six years ago, Clarke has been making her mark in international pageants, where she has received various accolades.
She says her first pageant was when she won Miss Monotronic in 2013.
“That was when something sparked within me – pageantry has my heart. I was so eager to pursue this passion of mine further. But little did I know it was short-lived,” says Clarke, adding that in 2014 she fell pregnant. and gave birth to her son.
“For my pageant career, however, that meant I had to close that chapter of my life.”
But fast forward to 2017, through her photography and modelling, Clarke got another lifetime opportunity in her modelling career after she was scouted by an agency called Visions Modelling.
“I couldn’t believe that they wanted me to join their agency, especially because I had a son. But they reassured me that it does not affect my chances of becoming a model. I’ve been signed by them since then,” she says.
In 2019, after going through training, Clarke took part in her first international pageant, Miss Super Talent of the World in South Korea.
She says this was an amazing and eye-opening experience for her, as she was placed in the top 6, and her love for pageantry grew.
A few months ago, Clarke got another opportunity to participate in Miss Glam World, which took place in India. She was placed in the top 12.
“I was nervous about it but winning that position took me by surprise, as the competition was tight and every woman had a unique story to tell.”
She believes every woman, every mother, every girl is worthy, and so pageants should acknowledge this too.
“In the same vein, I plan to start a campaign that advocates for free tampons in Namibia and the rest of the world,” says Clarke.
This is a project she will be working on with several other contestants from the Miss Glam World pageant, she says.
“My inspiration in life is to continue living a life of purpose, to engage with everyone on a deeper level of life, and to learn and experience life with everyone around me.”
Clarke, who holds a degree in finance, hails from Walvis Bay.
She says growing up she always played the role of a provider and leader, as she was the oldest sibling of four.
“I’ve always been drawn towards the music, acting and modelling industry. But there were always stumbling blocks in my way,” she says.
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