Zozibini Tunzi was crowned Miss Universe Sunday night after excelling through rounds of swimsuit and evening gown struts, questions on social issues and one final chance to explain why she was the right choice.
“I grew up in a world where a woman who looks like me — with my kind of skin and my kind of hair — was never considered to be beautiful,” she said in her last response. “I think it is time that that stops today. I want children to look at me and see my face and I want them to see their faces reflected in mine.”
In her final question, 26-year-old Zozibini was asked what we should be teaching young girls today.
Her answer was leadership.
“It’s something that has been lacking in young girls and women for a very long time – not because we don’t want to, but because of what society has labelled women to be,” she said.
“I think we are the most powerful beings on the world, and that we should be given every opportunity.
“And that is what we should be teaching these young girls – to take up space. The two runners-up for the crown were Miss Mexico and Miss Puerto Rico.
“If you do not use your beauty for your life’s mission, it’s just an empty ornament”, Sofía Aragón, representing Mexico, said earlier in the competition.
Madison Anderson represented Puerto Rico. “Being on the Miss Universe stage is not just a dream” Anderson said. “I believe that I found my mission. It’s a representation of dedication, resilience and perseverance. I do believe my mission is to show the world that magic happens when we refuse to give up because the universe always listens to a stubborn heart.
