Melania Tora, the winner of Miss Hibiscus 2024, expressed that her victory is best celebrated by giving thanks to God. The 24-year-old marked her crowning by spending time with her family and attending church, where she reflected on the support she has received throughout her journey.
In her preparations for the competition, Tora underwent a demanding process that included fasting, prayer, and researching previous Hibiscus queens to inform her advocacy initiatives. She emphasized her commitment to addressing mental health issues, linking them to broader social problems such as drug addiction, HIV/AIDS, and domestic violence.
“I’ve struggled with anxiety and went through a season of depression my whole life, and I know that’s hard to believe,” Tora shared. “I very much understand what it’s like to feel hopeless.”
She also recognized the camaraderie and support she experienced from fellow contestants and praised the event organizers for their efforts, despite minor issues that arose.
Tora expressed her excitement about celebrating in Sabeto and looked forward to what the future holds for her and her family.