Marcie Mawan For South Sudan

Have you heard about this talented young south Sudanese woman! At 23, Marcie Mawan is doing amazing things in her community and for her life.

Marcie Mawan is a South Sudanese-born model, poet, and mental health advocate whose
story is one of resilience, courage, and transformation.

From a young age, Marcie experienced the challenges of body shaming, bullying, and
isolation. Growing up shy and introverted, she often found refuge in writing - pouring her
emotions into journals rather than speaking them aloud. As a child, she was mocked for
her dark skin, slim physique, and even for having black gums, which left her feeling alienated. Yet, through writing, she discovered a sense of joy, peace, and hope.

At 16, while grappling with intense bullying in high school, Marcie's world shifted dramatically when she learned - accidentally from a cousin - that she was adopted. This revelation deepened her struggles with identity and mental health. She endured periods of self-harm, emotional numbness, and the feeling that no one could truly understand her pain. Despite these hardships, Marcie completed high school and carried with her a
determination to find belonging and self-love.
Her turning point came at university. After years of body shaming and self-doubt, Marcie
stumbled upon a poster announcing the inaugural Miss Petite Global Uganda pageant.

What began as a leap of faith became a defining moment. Through modeling, Marcie
embraced her physique - once a source of ridicule - and used the platform to share her
poetry and her story. Performing a heartfelt poem titled Her as her talent piece, she emerged as 1st Runner-Up. For Marcie, this was not just a competition but a personal rebirth: a chance to forgive her past, rediscover her strength, and use her voice to inspire
others.

Since then, Marcie has become a strong advocate for mental health awareness and body
positivity. She believes every story deserves to be told and every voice deserves to be heard. Her advocacy is rooted in the conviction that "it's okay not to be okay - and it's okay to talk about it."

In July 2025, she launched EmpowerHer, a mental health awareness initiative with the
slogan "Every mind educated and every girl supported." The project held its first campaign
in Bweyale District, Uganda, where Marcie and fellow queens provided mentorship,
menstrual health education, and reusable sanitary kits to schoolgirls. EmpowerHer not
only addressed practical needs but also encouraged young girls to break stereotypes,
embrace their uniqueness, and find hope in community.

Marcie was initially nominated to represent Uganda in the 57th edition of Miss Asia
Pacific International, one of the world's most prestigious beauty pageants. However, her
journey was affected not by Uganda as a whole - a country she considers home - but
by the lack of proper guidance and support within the specific pageant system that had
nominated her. The mismanagement and limited assistance she encountered left her
feeling discouraged, and at one point, she nearly gave up on the dream of competing
internationally.

Through encouragement and reflection, Marcie decided to embrace her true identity and
take on the journey directly for her home country, South Sudan. This transition became
more than just a change of representation - it was a homecoming. While Uganda shaped
her experiences and gave her a platform to rise, carrying the South Sudanese flag at an
international level represents her roots, her resilience, and her faith. For Marcie,
representing South Sudan is not just a personal triumph but a commitment to advocate for
mental health awareness on a global stage, to inspire the youth who feel unseen, and to
prove that one can overcome rejection and still walk in purpose.

Her journey from the pages of her childhood journals to the international stage is a
testament to her courage and gratitude. Guided by resilience and faith, Marcie Mawan
stands as a voice for the voiceless - a reminder that our deepest struggles can become
the very platforms from which we rise.
"I once believed my dreams would only exist in my notebooks. Today, I live them
- with courage, grace, and the hope that my story will inspire others to find their
voice too."

Now, Marcie's motive is clear: to use her platform to break the silence around mental
health, to encourage young people to embrace their individuality without fear of judgment,
and to amplify the voices of women and girls in communities often overlooked. By merging
her passion for modeling, poetry, and advocacy, she seeks to prove that beauty with
purpose is not just a title - it is a calling.


Donate to her Pagent and purpose - GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/940067e6