A delegation of five beauty queens from West Africa were hosted by the Foreign Ministry last week. During the visit, the lovely ladies had an opportunity to meet with women in leadership in Israel and to learn about innovations being led by Israeli women.

At the Western Wall

The beauty queens visited major tourist sites around the country including the Western Wall and the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. In addition, they visited the Holocaust museum “Yad Vashem” and also met with a non-profit organization that is empowering women who have broken out of the cycle of prostitution to find meaningful employment.

Foreign Minister Israel Katz said that the Israel delegation of women in leadership was part of the ministry’s efforts to highlight the Jewish state as a country leading in social innovation and empowering women. “Each of these women’s companies is a leader in the cultural, social and business world of Israel. This kind of exposure to the work these Israeli women do in our country helps change perceptions and attitudes among many who will now consider these women as role models.”

The African ladies included beauty queens from Ivory Coast, Senegal, Cameroon and Togo.