History of Mrs. World:

The concept for Mrs. World has its roots in one of the oldest and most respected of all pageant
programs - Mrs. America – The original Mrs. America Pageant, which began in 1938 was
reorganized in 1977, featuring a glamorous new beauty format. While beauty is the key element in
the competition, Mrs. America contestants are also urged to voice their opinions on marriage and
important issues of the day. All married women – young wives, mothers and even grandmothers – are
eligible to enter and their participation is encouraged. The international extension of this same
philosophy and pageant concept is the basis for the Mrs. World Pageant.

The Mrs. World Pageant was created to recognize the one person who contributes so much to modern
life – the international married woman. As the only televised major international pageant devoted
exclusively to married women from every corner of the globe, it not only serves as a showcase for many
of the world’s most glamorous, versatile and accomplished women but it also brings together at a
critical time in history married women from different backgrounds and cultures who share the mutual
hopes and aspirations of all womankind.

For the first time in pageant history, the 1989 Mrs. World Pageant had a contestant from the then
Soviet Union.  That Mrs. World Pageant also marked the first time an international pageant was
televised throughout the Soviet Union. By providing this unique forum in which delegates from five
continents can work together and share a common purpose, the Mrs. World Pageant successfully
fosters greater communication, friendship and mutual understanding among all people.
Natalia Shmarenkov
of Ukraine
Mrs. World 2008