Miss Universe pageant to allow mothers and married women to compete


During the 48th Miss Universe pageant held in Trinidad and Tobago, the final question was "If Miss Universe were to become pregnant during her reign, should she be allowed to continue as Miss Universe?”

Botswana's Mpule Kwelagobe answered: "Personally, I think Miss Universe is a symbol of a woman as well as she's celebrating her femininity, and I believe that if she should fall pregnant it will not in any way interrupt her duties. I believe as a woman she should celebrate her femininity."

The then 19-year-old triumphed over Miriam Quiambao of the Philippines (first runner-up) and Diana Nogueira of Spain (second runner-up) to win the title of Miss Universe 1999, a historic first time for her country.

Fast forward to today, over 20 years later, the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) has announced its decision to allow "women who are or have been married, as well as women who are pregnant or have children" to compete starting next year (Miss Universe 2023).

With the latest change in their rules, it is clear the organization headed by Paula Shugart (President) and Amy Emmerich (CEO) continues to "evolve with the changing of times to best represent and support women globally."

"Women should have agency over their lives, and that a human's personal decisions should not be a barrier to their success."

Photo: Miss Universe

Popular posts from this blog

Miss Universe Hong Kong 2026 is Jennifer Kraft Zhou

Image
Jennifer Kraft Zhou was crowned the winner of the Miss Universe Hong Kong 2026 pageant on Friday, September 18 at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong. The 27-year-old content creator surpassed 14 other contestants to secure the title. She received her crown from her predecessor, last year's champion Lizzie Li. Alexis Leung and Angeline Leung earned the positions of first and second runners-up, respectively. Melanie Siu and Kevina Kwong completed the Top 5 finalists. The newly crowned Miss Universe Hong Kong will compete for Hong Kong at the 75th Miss Universe (Miss Universe 2026) competition in Puerto Rico this November. "I won. I'm very thankful for all your support. It's very emotional,," Jennifer expressed on social media, extending her gratitude to her dedicated online community as well as her family and friends for standing by her. Photo: Miss Universe Hong Kong
Read more

Who will win Mister International 2026? Pageant details and where to vote

Image
Mister International 2026, the 18th Mister International pageant, is currently taking place in Thailand with 52 contestants from across the globe competing for the coveted title. Making their inaugural appearances this year are Cabo Verde, Iraq, Republic of the Congo, Somalia, and Tajikistan. Among the returning countries are Azerbaijan, Bolivia, Cameroon, China, Cuba, Honduras, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Portugal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, and the USA. The much-awaited final competition is scheduled for Saturday, September 26 at MCC Hall in Bangkok. Secure your tickets for the ultimate showdown right here . Reigning Mister International Kirk Bondad of the Philippines will pass on his title following the conclusion of the competition. Fans can vote via Eventista to support their favorite contestants in the categories of Mister Photogenic, Mister Influencer, and Mister People's Choice. Contestants receiving the most votes in each category will advance ...
Read more

Miss Denmark 2026 is Simone Julie Lythje from Silkeborg

Image
The Miss Denmark 2026 pageant, celebrating its 100th anniversary, took place on Sunday, September 13, at the renowned Cirkusbygningen in Copenhagen. Simone Julie Lythje, a 21-year-old teaching assistant from Silkeborg, Jutland, has been named the new Miss Denmark. She was presented with her crown by her predecessor, Josephine Bøttger, who recently participated in Miss World 2026 held in Vietnam. Another notable winner from the event was 23-year-old Anne-Marie Olsvig Lauritzen from Ilulissat, who earned the title of Miss Greenland 2026. The competition also recognized Sofie Klivager Andersen, Helena Heiselberg Kjær, Maiken Bruun, and Susanne Saad as the first, second, third, and fourth runners-up, respectively. Completing the Top 15 were Johanna Katrine Mielcke, Thea Lyngvig Hermann, Xenia Sofia Miller, Tilde Nilsson, Maja Roed, Nikoline Sommer Hedegaard, Andrea Ziir, Josefine Oehlenschlæger, and Emma Sofie Dahl. Photo: Hasse Ferrold / MissDanmark.dk
Read more

USA wins back-to-back Miss International Queen titles

Image
Lo Colby of the USA was crowned Miss International Queen 2026 on Saturday, September 19 at the Tiffany's Show Pattaya in Pattaya, Thailand. The Hawaiian-born Thai-American transgender beauty based in Los Angeles bested 26 rival contestants to win the coveted title. She also bagged the Best in Talent award. Lo succeeds last year's winner and fellow American Midori Monét, securing an unprecedented back-to-back victory in Miss International Queen history. Theerachaya Pimkitidaj of Thailand and Saki Iwai of Japan were announced the fist and second runners-up, respectively. Contestants from Colombia, Catalina Vallejo, France, Ines Mess, and the Philippines, Red Spiegelman completed the Top 6 finalists. The rest of the Top 12 were from Brazil, Angel Gadelha, Costa Rica, Alejandra Vargas, Laos, Alisa Saengdala, Malaysia, Shazzyra Zahry, Venezuela, Daniela Marquina, and Vietnam, Nguyen Cao Minh Anh. After tonight's pageant, the USA now proudly holds four Miss International Queen ti...
Read more

Daiana Stefani Pereyra is the new Miss Universe Argentina

Image
Daiana Stefani Pereyra has officially been named the new Miss Universe Argentina 2026 after the crowned titleholder Tamara Rogouski stepped down for personal reasons. The 28-year-old cabin crew competed for La Pampa and earned the first runner-up position at the national pageant in May. She will now gear up to represent Argentina at the Miss Universe 2026 pageant scheduled for Puerto Rico this November. "If there's something we Argentines have, it's that we know how to take on every challenge with our hearts," Daiana expressed on social media. "We are passionate, resilient and proud of our roots. And when we get to carry our flag into the world, we do it with our soul," she continued. Road to the 75th Miss Universe: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Korawat Yatfung (@yo_korawathairstylist) Photos: Jorge Amarista, Korawat Yatfung / Instagram
Read more

Miss Finland 2026 is Veera Grönlund

Image
Veera Grönlund, a 30-year-old from Helsinki, was crowned Miss Suomi 2026 (Miss Finland 2026) on Saturday, September 5, at Hybridiarena Hype in Espoo. The passionate animal advocate and aspiring veterinarian will represent Finland at the Miss Universe 2026 pageant in Puerto Rico this coming November. Aleksandra Sofia Hannusaari, 22, from Tampere, and Sofia Singh, 30, from Helsinki, were awarded the titles of first and second runners-up, respectively. The newly crowned Miss Finland takes over from Tara Lehtonen, last year's first runner-up, who assumed the title after the previous winner, Sarah Dzafce, was dethroned due to a racism scandal. "Yesterday, one of my biggest goals became reality and I was crowned Miss Finland 2026. I entered this competition to look for the brightest crown and I gave it my all until the end," Veera shared online the day after the competition. "As Miss Finland, I will boldly stand behind my values: courage, responsibility and justice. I will...
Read more

FAVORITES: Miss World 2026 FINAL Top 15 favorites

Image
Following weeks of rigorous pre-pageant events and competitive challenges, the 73rd Miss World pageant will reach its grand finale on Saturday, September 5, in Nha Trang, Vietnam. A remarkable 111 contestants from around the world will come together on stage to vie for the prestigious crown, which is currently held by the reigning Miss World, Suchata Chuangsri from Thailand. Who will be crowned Miss World 2026? Meet our Top 15 final favorites: (in alphabetical order) Bolivia - Vanessa Kraljevic Brazil - Gabriela Botelho Chile - Ignacia Fernández Czech Republic - Linda Górecká Denmark -  Josephine Bøttger Dominican Republic - Joheirry Mola Eritrea - Snit Tewoldemedhin France -  Indira Ampiot India -  Nikita Porwal Malaysia - Taanusiya Chetty Nigeria - Tamunosoye Karibi-George Philippines - Asia Rose Simpson Spain - Elisabeth Reynés Venezuela - Mística Núñez Vietnam - Bao Ngoc Le Nguyen Special mentions: Belgium, Botswa...
Read more

Miss World 2026 is Joheirry Mola from the Dominican Republic

Image
Joheirry Mola Dominguez from the Dominican Republic bested 110 other contestants to win Miss World 2026 on Saturday, September 5 in Nha Trang, Vietnam. The 24-year-old model, teacher, news correspondent and advocate received the coveted crown and sash from her predecessor Opal Suchata Chuangsri from Thailand. She became the second woman from the Dominican Republic to become Miss World next to Mariasela Álvarez who won in 1982. Elisabeth Reynés of Spain and Taanusiya Chetty of Malaysia were announced the second and third placers, respectively. The contestants from Eritrea, Snit Tewoldemedhin, South Africa, Romanda Hombir, and Vietnam, Bao Ngoc Le Nguyen rounded out the Top 6 finalists. Completing the Top 12 were Gabriela Botelho of Brazil, Indira Ampiot of France, Tamunosoye Karibi George of Nigeria, Asia Rose Simpson of the Philippines, Adah Mushibi of Zambia, and Brunette Makanyiso of Zimbabwe. The new Miss World holds a degree in business management and administration from t...
Read more

France wins back-to-back Manhunt International titles

Image
Dylan Palmerini from France was declared the winner of the Manhunt International 2026 competition on Wednesday, September 9, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The 21-year-old model hailing from Marseille triumphed over more than 30 other contestants, achieving a remarkable back-to-back victory for his nation. He is now the third French winner of Manhunt International, following Adonis Renaud (2025) and Fabrice Bertrand Wattez (2002). Nipun Singh from India secured the title of first runner-up, while Lucas Díaz from Puerto Rico, Samuel Ayeloja from Nigeria, and Tran Tien Dung from Vietnam were named the second, third, and fourth runners-up, respectively. The remaining Top 10 included Isanka Pramuditha from Sri Lanka (6th), Leandro Mendoza from the Dominican Republic (7th), Darío Meroño from Spain (8th), William Sin Kyu from Korea (9th), and Osdany Garcia from Cuba (10th). The Top 20 was rounded out by contestants from Canada, Indonesia, Italy, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Philippines, Singapore, South ...
Read more

Miss Universe Australia 2026 is Caity Worthington from Brisbane

Image
Caitlin Worthington was declared the winner of Miss Universe Australia 2026 at the national final on Wednesday, August 26, held at the Crown Melbourne. The 28-year-old radiographer and model from Brisbane succeeds her predecessor Lexie Brant. She will represent Australia at the Miss Universe 2026 pageant in Puerto Rico this November. Georgia Van Zaanen was awarded first runner-up, while Rowan Brent-White, Uma Dawson, and Kristabella Leembruggen took the second, third, and fourth runner-up positions, respectively. The remaining Top 10 finalists included Paige Bentley, Audrey Panagopoulos, Lilli Sauerwald, Sophie Trayner, and Jess Davis. The event was hosted by Australian stage and screen actor Rob Mills, alongside actress and former titleholder Maria Thattil. A total of 28 national finalists from around the country were chosen to compete for the crown. Australia has claimed the Miss Universe title on two occasions, first with Kerry Anne Wells in 1972 and then with Jennifer Hawkins in 20...
Read more