Farida Shimi: "A Crown Was Never the Destination.. It Was a Responsibility"

Farida Shimi, Miss Arab Egypt, Miss Arab Worldwide, Miss Africa, Queen of the Universe, and Ambassador of the Breast Cancer Foundation of Egypt (BCFE) spoke to Sada el Balad English (See) about women's empowerment, breast cancer awareness, philanthropy, and using her platform to create lasting impact.

Q: As Ambassador of the Breast Cancer Foundation of Egypt, why is early breast cancer awareness so important?

Farida Shimi: Throughout my public life, I've believed that success is measured not only by personal achievements but by the positive impact we create for others. That's why my role as Ambassador of the Breast Cancer Foundation of Egypt (BCFE) is so meaningful to me.

BCFE holds a special place in my heart because of its commitment to educating, supporting, and empowering women throughout their journeys. My role goes far beyond representation, I actively participate in awareness campaigns, fundraising initiatives, educational programs, and community outreach to promote prevention and early detection.

I've had the privilege of meeting incredibly strong women whose resilience continues to inspire me. Their stories remind me that awareness truly saves lives. My goal is to help create a future where every woman has access to healthcare, education, and the support she deserves.

Q: You have held several international beauty titles. How do they influence your mission today?

Farida Shimi: Winning titles such as Miss Egypt, Miss Arab, Miss Africa, and Queen of the Universe gave me an international platform, but my dream was never to pursue modeling or acting.

My goal has always been to represent Egyptian and Arab women with dignity, intelligence, and confidence, while breaking stereotypes and inspiring young women to dream bigger.

For me, a crown was never the destination, it was a responsibility. That belief naturally led me toward philanthropy, women's empowerment, and humanitarian work.

Q: In your opinion, how can women improve early detection of breast cancer?

Farida Shimi: Awareness is the first step. Every woman should understand her body and never ignore unusual changes.

Regular medical check-ups and screenings are essential because breast cancer is most treatable when detected early. We also need to remove the fear surrounding screenings. Early diagnosis gives women more treatment options and significantly improves recovery rates.

Q: How can society better support breast cancer survivors?

Farida Shimi: I've built genuine friendships with many survivors, and they constantly inspire me with their strength and positivity.

I always try to create joyful experiences rather than focusing only on illness. We've organized activities such as salsa, bachata, yoga, and choreography sessions because moments of happiness are an important part of healing.

What touches me most is when they tell me they see me as their daughter. I don't feel like I'm simply an ambassador, I feel like I'm part of their family, and they are part of mine.

More broadly, supporting survivors should be a shared responsibility. Support isn't limited to financial contributions. Raising awareness, volunteering, sharing information, or simply encouraging someone can all make a meaningful difference.

Q: Are you planning to participate in more awareness campaigns?

Farida Shimi: Absolutely.

Any initiative that serves Egypt, supports my community, or helps people in need is something I will always stand behind.

I'm currently discussing future collaboration with the Hayah Karima initiative, and I have great respect for the important work it does. I also admire the humanitarian efforts of the Egyptian Red Crescent and hope to contribute whenever possible.

Humanitarian causes have no boundaries. I deeply empathize with people facing hardship around the world, including the people of Palestine.

Serving others isn't optional for me, it's a responsibility.

Q: How do you use social media to support humanitarian causes?

Farida Shimi: My Instagram combines glamour with purpose. I use it to showcase Egypt positively while promoting women's empowerment and humanitarian awareness.

Interestingly, most of my audience is international, which allows me to represent Egypt and Egyptian women beyond our borders.

Glamour may attract attention, but the message is always about empowerment, identity, compassion, and creating positive impact.

Q: What message would you like to leave for Egyptian women and those fighting breast cancer?

Farida Shimi: Early awareness saves lives.

Learning the warning signs, understanding the importance of regular screenings, and seeking medical advice without fear can make all the difference.

To every woman facing breast cancer: you are not alone. There is hope, there is support, and there is strength in every step of your journey.

And to everyone else, remember that awareness is a collective responsibility. By supporting one another, encouraging early detection, and speaking openly about women's health, we can help save lives and build stronger communities.