Blackpool hairdresser is taking part in Miss Universe Great Britain pageant

Blackpool hairdresser Joanna Johnson is in the running to represent Great Britain at the Miss Universe pageant.

Joanna, 26, will be one of around 40 women taking part in the 2020 Miss Universe Great Britain competition in South Wales in July.

In the run up she will be tasked with a series of challenges and fundraising for A-Sisterhood – an organisation which supports the advancement of women worldwide.

This year, monies from the fundraising will be donated to regional offices of Women’s Aid which campaigns for the end of domestic violence in the UK.

The National Centre for Female Genital Mutilation which aims to put an end to the practice by 2030; Stop Acid Attacks in India which helps survivors of acid violence; and The Black Mambas which is South Africa’s first all-female anti-poaching unit protecting the rhino.

A donation will also be made by A-Sisterhood to a female cause chosen and supported by the 2020 titleholder.

The final July 9 to 11 will include a Bring A Bra Ball organised for A-Sisterhood with finalists and their guests donating bras which will be sent to women in Africa in association with Smalls for All; an empowerment day lead by one of the UK’s foremost leadership coaches; and a catwalk show before a panel of judges from the beauty and fashion industry. The event is sponsored by Just boutique and SDI Dental.

Joanna says: “I am really excited to have been chosen as a finalist for Miss Universe Great Britain this year and will be doing all that I can in the next few months to prepare.

“Miss Universe is one of the biggest pageants in the world and I think it’s going to be a huge adventure as well as a lot of fun.

“Although the current pandemic has restricted a lot of things I am still making the most of every opportunity I get to promote causes close to my heart and also the Miss Universe Great Britain platform.

“I am passionate about empowering women to believe in themselves and to never give up on their dreams and aspirations.

“To challenge every stereotype and show the world that women are strong and we can make a difference.”

The Miss Universe Great Britain operates a NOT IN VAIN campaign as part of the competition which acknowledges the efforts and calibre of finalists. Under this banner, three awards will be presented to finalists.

They are an award for the finalist who raises the most for charity through the experience presented by A-Sisterhood; an award for the most inspiring finalist who shows dedication to empowering young women presented by the Miss Universe Great Britain national director; and a Miss Universe Great Britain business bursary offering high-level business coaching by Elsby & Co Chartered Accountants in Northamptonshire.