BY NIVITHA BASKARAN
Alumna of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) Rashmita Nalini Rasindran is a shining example of a versatile and empowered woman. The 24-year-old Selangor native has disproved the notion that academics, models, and activists rarely come together by setting an example for other women. In addition to her first-class Bachelor of English for Global Communication degree, she has six years of modelling experience and one year’s experience in pageantry.
At the Pencarian Puteri Malaysia 2023 final, hosted by the Ratu Wanita Malaya organisation on September 3 in Kuala Lumpur, Rashmita emerged victorious when she was crowned Puteri Mutiara 2023 (Miss Charm Malaysia 2024).
Rashmita has broken the tradition by assiduously integrating her education into her career as a model. She transformed into a more disciplined, self-assured persona after winning the Miss Charm 2024 title. She admitted that her professional life has been positively impacted by this victory, which has given her more opportunities and recognition in the pageant and modelling industries.
“Education serves as the foundation of purpose in the pageant industry. A beauty queen must be a leader and a spokesperson, and education has equipped me with the necessary skills for this role,” Rashmita explained. She acknowledged that participating in modelling while pursuing her studies did not prevent her from taking on new challenges but instead played a significant role in her professional development as a model.
“In my opinion, our personal qualities will guide every decision we make in life. As a result, my career has expanded, and I am getting more recognition than ever,” Rashmita stated.
She admitted that initially it was difficult for her to balance her life between modelling and academics, but she persevered because of her willingness and passion for this industry.
In the pageant world, stage questions are crucial aspects. As a UNIMAS English for Global Communication alumna, her proficiency in both language and communication has improved her public speaking abilities and broadened her understanding of global issues, allowing her to stand out in public. Majoring in communication improved her ability to communicate with people and made it easier for her to convey her ideas to the audience.
In addition, Rashmita advised young women who are interested in modelling, to work on having strong communication skills and strategic thinking, which are essential for women to become leaders in their fields and to express their opinions fearlessly.
Rashmita’s initiative for women’s empowerment, Femme Force Forward, began in March 2023. Working with the Women Equality Association (WEA), Rashmita and the Femme Force Forward members planned to use social media to educate the public about women’s rights against domestic violence and to organise talks and activities for the women in B40 families, schools, and women’s shelter homes.
One of her goals is to reach out to women who are victims of domestic abuse and who lack emotional and financial support. She also wants to use the power of social media to affirm words of support and provide enough of them to motivate women all across Malaysia.
Femme Force Forward is a nonprofit organisation whose primary goals are to celebrate women’s accomplishments, dispel stereotypes, and increase awareness of gender equality. “I’ve experienced gender prejudice everywhere I go — at home, at work, and in college. My quest to discover why women are denied equal pay and are subjected to stereotypes was spurred by my own personal experiences. I want to create change because there is not enough awareness about equality,” she said.
Asked about the significance of women empowerment, Rashmita explained that she is a fervent supporter of shattering stereotypes and conventional gender roles. “Empowering women will create a more inclusive society and ensure gender balance in decision-making processes. Breaking gender biases will cultivate a more open-minded society, nurturing a future where women are seen as equals,” Rashmita said.
Empowering women is essential to building a more equitable society, consistent with Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality. In one of the Miss Charm 2024 stage questions, Rashmita emphasised the value of gender equality and the necessity of education for women’s empowerment.
These factors will help dismantle gender norms and stereotypes and promote an accepting and tolerant society. “This will instill a sense of respect towards women and will prove that women are equal to men,” she said.
“Right now, women are viewed as weak and in need of assistance; in other words, we are always viewed as damsels in distress. I want to change people’s minds and teach them to learn about and accept women as equals.” Rashmita emphasised. Her thriving aspiration for gender equality and women empowerment earned her recognition, and she said that she will continue her efforts in this field and influence the minds of our young children, resulting in a more open-minded society in the future.
Asked about the challenges that she faced in balancing her time between modelling and studies, she explained that time management was the biggest obstacle. Rashmita said that although there are times when she feels overwhelmed by the tasks, they do not stop her from doing what she is supposed to, and they only change her into a more disciplined and self-motivated person.
“I learned to set my priorities straight. I work on the most important thing I need to get done; I do not jumble it all up and stress myself. I see what is crucial and work on that first; once that is done, I move on to the next,” Rashmita explained.
Her love of fashion inspired her early passions and interests, which led to her success. She made her television commercial debut when she was 18, which served as the driving force behind her pursuit of modelling. “As I grew older, I began to watch beauty pageants on television. I was amazed by the women I saw, and I instantly knew that I wanted to represent my country and stand on the same stage as them. For this, I have to thank my mother for sending my portfolio to all the agencies,” she continued.
Rashmita’s journey was filled with valuable lessons and experiences, which culminated in her winning moment at Miss Charm Malaysia 2024.
“Never give up on your dreams. Put your goals first, put in a lot of effort, and trust yourself. The road to success is often paved with failures. Don’t give up,” Rashmita said.
Her path embodies advocacy, education, glitz and empowerment. The path she created through her unwavering dedication ignites possibilities for change and is a beacon of hope for a more inclusive and equitable future.
This article was written by a student from the Strategic Communication Programme at the Faculty of Education, Language and Communication, UNIMAS.
