On the surface, they’re all different – a cross-section of sensational women of varying ages, backgrounds and ethnicities. They are all stunning, that’s for certain, but their beauty is not the sole reason the Weekly has gathered together Jude Dobson, Samantha Hayes, Dame Rosie Horton, Miriama Kamo and Sophie Pascoe. The reason is more than skin-deep – they’re here because these five incredible women are making a tangible difference in the lives of others.
Some are just beginning to dip their toes in the water, while others have made charity their life’s work – each taking a stand in her own way, and proving that their beauty does indeed come from within. In our series “Beautiful inside and out”, we chat with these five gorgeous Kiwi women about what inspires them. Here, Miriama Kamo, journalist and presenter (Kiwi Living, Sunday and Marae) shares what makes her happy.
What causes do you stand for?
I am an ambassador for two charities, Endometriosis New Zealand (ENZ) and Pillars. ENZ supports thousands of Kiwi girls and women who suffer from endometriosis. It’s a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus [the endometrium] is found outside the uterus where it shouldn’t be. It’s very common – while the known incidence is one in 10 women, it often goes undiagnosed. Pillars supports the children of prison inmates. Children are the innocent victims of their parents’ crimes. They weren’t part of the crime, yet they serve their own sentence. They have to cope without their parent, they often endure teasing and isolation, and worst, they’re seven times more likely than their peers to go to prison.
Do you have any personal connection to your charity?
I have endometriosis, so I understand the pain of living with it. There’s an issue with early diagnosis. Some women only find out when they want to have a baby – and that can be too late. I’d like earlier diagnoses so that women and their families can work out support plans in their homes. I support Pillars because my parents were prison chaplains – my mother still is. These children deserve a good and fulfilling life like any other child.
To you, what makes a person beautiful?
Kindness, humour and intelligence. But mostly, it’s what that person feels about themselves that makes them beautiful. Optimism is an attractive trait.
When do you feel at your most beautiful?
When I’ve done a good job. Also, when my husband [Mike Dreaver] says I’m beautiful and I know he’s talking about all of me, not just the outer package.
What makes you hopping mad?
Any sort of exploitation of children that harms a child or denies them their basic human right to live well, safely and successfully.
What inspires you?
Happiness, optimism, kindness and extraordinary intelligence. I’m pretty lucky to have found all that in my husband.
What makes you happy?
Waking up to my daughter Te Rerehua (4). Every day, I have three questions for her which she delights in answering: “What’s my favourite thing to do?” (Giving kisses and cuddles), “Who do I like to give them to? (Me), and, “What’s my favourite job in the whole world?” (Being my mama)!
Who do you admire the most?
Next to my husband, it’d be my parents. They raised five successful children who are raising their own successful children. I am proud to be part of a family who cares about each other and extends that care to the world around them.
