Not a beauty pageant, the initiative, founded and developed by Tarryn Ogle in 2016, aims to encourage, inspire and motivate young women to become entrepreneurs and/or social entrepreneurs. It serves as a safe platform for adolescent girls to gain the knowledge, skills and tools to create their own sustainable enterprises while making a positive social impact.

The Miss Teen Social Entrepreneur 2019 finalists have been working hard building their business concepts since June this year.

Breaking barriers

“I am so proud at what these young women have accomplished. It’s been a tough year and each one of them pulled through, breaking barriers and overcoming challenges. This is what builds confidence and character and what our country needs. They truly are a phenomenal group of young women who are changing lives and making a positive impact in South Africa,” said Ogle.

“With a programme like this, we can encourage social responsibility as well as develop social entrepreneurship, personal and professional skills. Cultivating the next generation of successful female entrepreneurs while building confidence and character as well as making a positive social impact.”

Ogle, who is also Mrs African Queen 2017, is a mom of five, businesswoman and entrepreneur has always been passionate about youth development and women empowerment and saw the need for young women to be a part of something extraordinary.

This year’s grand finale will take place at the Sun International Carnival City – Mardi Gras Theatre on Sunday, 29 September.