Katharine Walker, Ireland’s Miss Universe hopeful, competed in the global pageant this weekend and although she did not win the coveted crown, she did make sure she used her platform for a good cause.
Stepping out in a green and gold costume to represent Ireland, Katharine opened her arms to reveal wings that read, “Fair pay for nursing”.
Posting pictures of the outfit on Instagram she wrote, “Say it louder for the people in the back. I am so so proud of this National costume design when I found out I would be representing Ireland at Miss Universe this year, I knew I wanted my costume to have a message.
“I wanted something that was personal to me but also extremely relevant and impactful. I wanted to celebrate the work of my fellow healthcare workers and also to make a statement on nurses pay.
“I am not just representing Ireland on this stage, but every single healthcare worker, the real heroes of this world, who go above and beyond caring for others, those who work through their breaks and work overtime for no extra pay, those who help the most vulnerable through their darkest days.
“It is time to pay nurses fairly. Enough is enough. Massive thank you to @callmesophia_ for creating this design in such a short space of time and to @balmoralhealthcare & @mkawardsltd for sponsoring it.”
Miss India, Harnaaz Sandhu, took home the Miss Universe crown.