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