The Miss Universe beauty pageant broke the stigma this year where we saw contestants from all over the globe who were a part of the pageant and also who represented a certain demographic of women - for the first time in history.
In the prestigious beauty pageant, we have never seen women who look different and women such as South Africa’s Mia le Roux, Somalia’s Khadijah Omar, Trinidad and Tobago’s Janelle Thongs as well as Egypt’s Loginah Salah were women that we have never seen participate before, let alone shine in these beauty pageants.
Miss Universe South Africa, Mia le Roux made history as the first deaf contestant and broke the stigma that people with disabilities cannot take part in such prestigious events, and make waves not only nationally, but globally as well.
Her participation in the beauty pageant made people aware that despite who you are, what disabilities you have, you can win, no matter what comes your way.
Miss Universe Somalia, Khadija Omar is also one of the women who made history by being the first ever woman to participate in the prestigious beauty pageant as the first Hijab woman.
The 23-year-old de-stigmatised the notion that Hijab-wearing women cannot take part in not only the Miss Universe pageant, but also every pageant in the whole world.
Women who wear Hijabs felt included and the diversity was embraced by them because her being there and taking part definitely changed how women with Hijab were viewed.
Janelle Thongs was crowned Miss Universe Trinidad and Tobago 2024 and she went on to represent her nation globally at Miss Universe.
Her appearance as a "big" woman shocked people who have never seen a woman her size participate in the Miss Universe pageant. But for some women, they not only felt represented, but also seen and heard when they saw her.
The 32-year-old made history as the first woman who is not slim to participate in the prestigious beauty pageant.
Egypt’s Loginah Salah also joined the list as the first ever woman with vitiligo (a disease that causes the loss of skin colour in blotches) to participate in Miss Universe.
She won many hearts because she broke the stereotype that regardless of your skin condition, you can still reach greater heights.
Miss Universe 2024 was all about inclusivity and making women all over the globe know that whether your skin looks different, or your size is different, what matters is that you break barriers and chase what is yours.
IOL