 "Saudi Arabia has made history by entering Miss Universe 2024 contest, but will this change the status of women?")
The Miss Universe contest is all set to take place on September 18 in Mexico, and for this year’s contest, Saudi Arabia has announced its participation too and made history. It’s the first Islamic country to announce it and the news was shared by 27-year old model Rumi Alaqahtani. But will this change the status of women in their society? Does participation in beauty contests help in any way?
She shared multiple pictures on her Instagram and wrote- “I am honored to participate in the Miss Universe 2024 competition. This marks the first participation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Miss Universe pageant.”
Just like last year’s pageant, this year’s contest also aims to expand its horizons of inclusivity and shed the conservative cloak. The aim seems to be in the right direction with opportunities to aspiring models across the globe. And Rumi’s dreams may have just received their biggest platform ever, and the excitement and exhilaration is clearly evident from her post and pictures. It’s a matter of pride for the country and Rumi in particular.
What happened at Miss Universe 2023 ?
Miss Universe 2023 came with a lot of firsts and it seems it made history. The 72nd edition of Miss Universe featured two transgender women, two mothers, one plus-sized model Jane Dipika. She was also crowned Miss Nepal.
While speaking to Hola Magazine, Jane said, “As a curvy woman challenging conventional beauty standards, I’m here to stand for all women.”
Also, Nicaragua’s Sheynnis Palacios has been crowned Miss Universe for the year 2023, marking her country’s first win at the international beauty pageant.
The 72nd edition of the Miss Universe pageant was held on Saturday night at the Jose Adolfo Pineda Arena in San Salvador, El Salvador.
Miss Thailand Anntonia Porsild emerged the first runner-up and Miss Australia Moraya Wilson was named the second runner-up at the event. Miss Universe shared the update on its official Instagram page. “MISS UNIVERSE 2023 is @sheynnispalacios_of!” the post read.
Palacios was crowned by USA’s R’Bonney Gabriel, who held the title of Miss Universe for the year 2022. Palacios bested entrants from 83 other countries, including Miss India Shweta Sharda, who was called into the list of top 20 contestants.