Society Aiming for Global Impact: Ruth Tewodros Prepares for Miss Earth 2024
October 19, 2024
It’s been over two decades since Ethiopia first stepped onto the Miss Earth stage, and this year, Ruth Tewodros is set to carry the flag for her country at the 2024 competition in Manila, Philippines, on November 9.
Standing tall at 1.80 meters, Ruth, 24, is no ordinary contestant. She holds a degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Addis Ababa University and another in Management. Currently, she’s juggling not one but two master’s degrees—Project Management at Bahir Dar University and Business Management at Addis Ababa University—while working full-time.
By day, Ruth works with the Chinese International Construction Company on projects like the Riverside Green Development and wastewater treatment systems. In her spare time, she volunteers with Rotary Club, a global humanitarian organization, contributing to local efforts around environmental sustainability. Now, as Miss Ethiopia, she is gearing up for the world stage, prepared to offer more than just beauty in a competition that places advocacy at its core.
“Dedication, hard work, and vision,” she says, are what it takes to succeed. “I’ve worked hard to fulfill my childhood dream, and now I’m on the brink of something big as I prepare for the Miss Earth competition.”
The Miss Earth pageant emphasizes global environmental action—a natural fit for Ruth, whose background in engineering and environmental work aligns with the contest’s mission. Ruth is acutely aware of the pageant’s potential to challenge the usual stereotypes. “People often think pageantry is just about beauty and elegance,” she says. “But it’s so much more. I’m determined to show that it’s a platform for education, for change, especially around issues like climate sustainability.”
Eager to contribute to Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, Ruth sees her participation as a stepping stone toward broader environmental engagement. “It’s about commitment,” she says. “My goal isn’t just to compete but to raise awareness and take action, even beyond the pageant.”
While Ruth has long dreamed of becoming a model, her focus remains on her advocacy work. “Sure, I’ve always imagined being a model,” she admits. “But what drives me now is the chance to inspire others and contribute to climate solutions.”
Now, as she prepares to represent Ethiopia at Miss Earth, Ruth is looking beyond the crown. She sees the competition as an opportunity not just to win but to make a lasting impact—both for her country and the environment.
Her pageant journey began in earnest in August 2024, when she competed in “Miss International Ethiopia.” It was a new experience, one that required her to master the art of stage presence in just three days of intense training. “They taught us how to walk, how to carry ourselves,” she recalls. “It was challenging, but I pushed through. Finishing second didn’t discourage me—it motivated me.”
Next on Ruth’s journey was the “Miss Woubit” beauty pageant on September 7, where the stakes were high: the winner would secure a spot at Miss Earth Ethiopia, leading to the international competition in Manila. Ruth’s victory at Miss Woubit solidified her place on the global stage, just weeks before the Miss Earth pageant.
“There were over 80 contestants standing before me, but I promised myself I would win through hard work, dedication, and a clear vision,” Ruth told The Reporter. “Now, as Miss Ethiopia, I’m preparing for the Miss Earth pageant. The process involves three weeks of intense preparation.” She also revealed that she had to lose ten kilograms to meet the competition’s profile requirements. Before Miss Woubit, Ruth weighed 74 kilograms.
Miss Earth, founded in 2001 by Carousel Productions, is an international beauty pageant with a focus on environmental advocacy. It gathers contestants from across the globe, asking them to champion environmental projects, sustainable living, and education. It’s not just about beauty or talent; participants must demonstrate a deep commitment to environmental protection. The pageant includes a range of activities—from tree-planting ceremonies to environmental awareness seminars—alongside presentations and interviews that test the contestants’ understanding of global ecological issues.
This year’s Miss Earth pageant is themed “Heritage,” and Ruth will represent Ethiopia on the world stage as an ambassador for environmental campaigns. Winners of Miss Earth go on to advocate for conservation efforts and raise awareness about pressing issues like climate change and pollution. Ruth is ready for this responsibility, confident that she has what it takes to stand out.
“I’ve prepared myself to win,” she said. “I’ll be showcasing Ethiopia’s rich heritage—our rituals, traditional clothing, culture, and our country’s vast wildlife potential. These are the things that make me proud to represent Ethiopia, and I believe they will contribute to my success.”
In addition to these preparations, Ruth has immersed herself in the history of the Miss Earth pageant. “I’ve reviewed the last 24 years of the competition, studying past winners, their strategies, and their mindset. It’s all about sharpening my approach to victory,” she explained.
While Miss Earth focuses on environmental advocacy, it is part of the “Big Four” pageants, alongside Miss Universe, Miss World, and Miss International. These pageants, founded between 1951 and 2001, are considered the pinnacle of global beauty competitions, combining beauty, intelligence, and social responsibility. Ethiopia first participated in Miss Earth in 2001, with NardosTiluhan as the initial titleholder, though she was later replaced by MunaKidane-Mariam. In 2003, YoditGetahun represented Ethiopia, earning the Miss Friendship special award.
Ruth’s journey to the Miss Earth stage is more than beauty and poise. It’s a mission rooted in advocacy, education, and environmental responsibility. Through determination and preparation, she hopes to inspire others and show that a clear vision, backed by hard work, can lead to success on the world stage.