Miss Awoulaba 2026: Her five children encouraged her to compete

Gaha Carine Mariette, crowned Miss Awoulaba Côte d’Ivoire 2026 last July in Abidjan, revealed that her five children played a crucial role in her decision to enter the competition. In an interview on Thursday, September 17, with the Ivorian Press Agency (AIP) at the Bondoukou museum, the representative from Guémon explained that she was still hesitant to participate following the death of her husband.

“If I am here today, it is thanks to my children,” she told AIP. According to her account, her children insisted for nearly two months to convince her, with the support of her younger sister Mireille. Her daughters also offered to help with some of the expenses related to the competition.

Gaha Carine Mariette won the crown on July 25, 2026, at the Anoumabo Hall of the Palais de la Culture Bernard Binlin-Dadié, competing against 17 other candidates. The Ivorian Ministry of Culture and Francophonie officially announced her victory a few days later, presenting this 20th edition as an event dedicated to natural beauty, elegance, and Ivorian cultural values.

The new titleholder attributes her victory to several factors, including self-confidence, determination, and her ability to embrace her figure on stage. She particularly believes that her height was an advantage during the competition, while also highlighting the quality of all 18 candidates.

A decision made after a period of mourning

However, her participation in the contest did not come about immediately. Gaha Carine Mariette explained to AIP that she had just emerged from her widowhood and that the loss of her husband, which occurred three years prior according to her testimony, remained a difficult ordeal. Ultimately, her children’s insistence swayed her decision.

She also mentioned having to overcome the stress of her first experience in this type of competition. The pre-selection process had particularly put her under pressure, before she gradually managed to free herself from that apprehension. For her, the contest significantly bolstered a personal confidence that she now considers central to her journey.

The title has brought her several rewards. According to AIP, the organizing committee awarded her one million CFA francs. Partners also gifted her two plots of land, one in Yamoussoukro and another in Bouaké, along with household appliances and several sets of pagne fabric.

Announced projects for widows and orphans

Gaha Carine Mariette now aims to leverage the visibility that comes with her title to develop social projects. She announced her intention to create an NGO for widows and orphans, and is also considering opening a women’s clothing store.

Having lived in Bondoukou for nearly twenty years, Miss Awoulaba 2026 describes the city as her adopted home. She has built her family life there and raised her children, having spent part of her childhood and youth in the area.