A 21-YEAR-old nurse who was subjected to past racial abuse is using her experiences to highlight the positives diversity brings to Wales.

Despite her tender age Mohima Hussain, of Anglesey, has cared for dementia patients and those reaching the end of their lives.

She applied for the Miss Wales competition with the worthy purpose of raising money for charity, Beauty with a Purpose. Past contenders have garnered over £700,000 for the good cause, every penny of which helps disadvantaged children in Wales.

Mohima, whose is teaching people to be non-judgemental, said: “Growing up in an ethnic minority in a small town has taught me a lot about how racism can affect people’s mental health and confidence – which I can relate to, especially when I was a young teenager, But, it has also taught me about how people from different cultures and diverse ethnicities can be celebrated in Wales and strengthen communities.”

Aside from combating racial slurs, Mohima is aware of prejudices concerning beauty competitions, but believes that they give profile to good causes.

Speaking about current Miss Wales, Darcey Coria, Mohima said: “She is incredibly inspiring and I would love to continue her amazing work and show young women that anyone can be beautiful, confident and celebrated.”

Mohima, who she speaks three languages – Welsh, English and Bengali – is also on a mission to hail her beautiful homeland of Wales.

“My family originate from Bangladesh and my heritage is something that is very important to me," she added. 

"My home here is surrounded by beautiful mountains and beaches which I love to explore with friends. I want people to know about both and, for people to treat each other with kindness and respect.”

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According to mental health charity MIND, racial taunts and judgements can lead to significant stress and trauma, including: Feelings of isolation, and not belonging Anxiousness and fear Anger and frustration at feeling ignored and powerless and, Exhaustion from endless taunts Racism can make a person question other aspects of themselves too – which can lead to dangerous feelings of low self-esteem.

Staged in Cardiff and Newport, the Miss Wales 2023 final will take place in April and includes a charity ball and a catwalk event in front of an audience and panel of judges.