For the first time in beauty pageant history, Somalia is set to compete in the international Miss Universe pageant.
In September, Khadijah Omar was crowned Miss Universe Somalia 2024, making her the first Hijabi woman to participate in the Miss Universe competition, representing Somalia at the 73rd edition.
At 23 years old, Omar has a background in beauty pageants, having previously been crowned Miss World Somalia in 2021. She also competed in Miss Universe Canada 2024, where she secured the title of 3rd runner-up and won the Miss Photogenic award.
Read more: Rhea Singha Becomes Miss Universe India 2024
The beauty influencer and model expressed her gratitude to her supporters on Instagram after her crowning as Miss Universe Somalia 2024.
In related news, Loginah Salah, a vitiligo advocate, was crowned Miss Universe Egypt 2024, while Miss South Africa Mia le Roux aims to challenge societal norms at the Miss Universe pageant.
“Thank you all for the incredible support! Since my announcement, everything has been happening so fast, and I am taking a moment to fully embrace it all. I am honored to represent Somalia and can’t wait to take you all along on this amazing journey. I hope my story inspires you to chase your dreams, no matter how big they seem,” she wrote in her post.
Omar is also focused on raising awareness about the climate crisis in Somalia.
There is a clear movement among African nations to change perceptions surrounding beauty pageants globally. South Africa made history by crowning its first deaf contestant, Mia le Roux, as Miss South Africa 2024, while Egypt broke the mold by selecting Loginah Salah, the first-ever vitiligo contestant, to represent them in the upcoming Miss Universe event in Mexico City.
