That 5 secs you panic in your head, while maintaining your smile, poise or whats left of it..

I have been for several pageants in Nigeria, and some how this question almost always shows up; what is the Essence of a woman? I have had to answer this question and I have had the privilege to hear other Queens answer this question, and it always has the same effect no matter how well you know your essence.

When answering most questions in a competition it is important to know that there is hardly ever a particular answer for pageant questions. They are asked to test your ability to think on your feet, to express yourself and your understanding of the competition itself, your answer should also, that is if you can, tell a little about yourself or where you represent.

Here are some of my favorite answers to the question; what is the Essence of a woman? or what is the Essence of an African woman?

“There is nothing more rare, nor more beautiful, than a woman being apologetically herself; comfortable in her perfect imperfection. To me, that is the true essence of beauty”

“A tribute to all women who are the strength of life, the rock of her family, the gentle heartbeat to her children, the tears to her parents, the joy to her soul mate, the inspiration at her work, the support and love of her friends, the mystique in society, the leader of love, life and the apple in Adams eye. God introduced us to Eve and although she wasn’t perfect we are a tribute to her existence and stem from the power of a WOMAN, that strength is the essence of a woman”

“I am from India, where love is the essence of life and a woman is the cradle of love, hence love is the essence of a woman”

“The beauty of a woman must be seen in her eyes, it is the doorway to her heart the place where love resides. The ability to share this glow, and influence others around her positively is the essence of a woman”

“A real woman makes her own decisions in life. She’s responsible, and doesn’t follow but she leads. She’s always about accomplishing goals, and she never settles for anything less because she’s a woman, and nothing more, that freedom and drive is the essence of a woman”

“The essence of an African woman is her values ”

“The African woman is raised by her community, raised to be a mother, a sister, a daughter, a wife, and a friend, she understands her role and infuses her goals, she is hard working, she is loving, representing all that she has been taught and passing it on to another vessel is the essence of an African woman”

“The ability to give, to love, to sacrifice, and be loved is the essence of a woman”

“Just being a woman is God’s gift that all of us must appreciate. The origin of a child is a mother, and is a woman. She shows a man what sharing, caring and loving is all about. That is the essence of a woman.”

More pageant questions and favorite answers coming up. A compilation of frequently asked pageant questions and answers will also be made available to some lucky subscribers. And if you are going for a pageant tomorrow, best of luck honey, your making the effort to learn gives you an edge, your highness.