A BASINGSTOKE woman who was recently shortlisted as a beauty pageant finalist has launched a charity fundraiser to run alongside her journey.

Aida Sane was born in Paris but moved to Basingstoke four years ago.

The 33-year-old financial account analyst said she is “ecstatic” to have been chosen to represent her origin country of Senegal in the all-new Miss/Mrs Africa 2020.

Following a "very tough" year for many, Aida wanted to use the challenge she is setting herself to raise funds for ActionAid, which works with the poorest women and girls to end violence and fight poverty.

Aida said: "At the moment everything is online because of coronavirus, Those workshops are really exciting and gratifying; it’s improving my confidence, helping me to do things I would never have done before, getting me out of my comfort zone and meeting new people from different backgrounds."

Talking about her decision to combine this with a fundraising campaign, Aida added: "Since last year, the world is going through a very tough situation. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic many families and people are struggling and mental health issues are also increasing.

"I also stand for women’s rights as it has become even more critical since Covid-19 gripped the world. As families have been disrupted, jobs and livelihoods disappeared overnight and domestic violence cases have drastically increased.

"I have set up a JustGiving page to raise the money in order to give a hand to people in need, and I am planning to gather unwanted good condition clothes and send them to Africa."

To support Aida visit justgiving.com/fundraising/aida-sane