In its 70-year long history, the global Miss Universe pageant has had a rule that prevents mothers and married women from being eligible to participate.
But that looks set to change, with rules expected to be overturned next year after the competition announced it will accept married women and mums in the contest.
The National has reportedly accessed an internal memo which reveals the contest’s new decision will help them “evolve with the times” in 2023.
“We all believe that women should have agency over their lives and that a human’s personal decisions should not be a barrier to their success,” the memo said, according to The National.
In the past seven decades, only 18 to 28 years old single women with no children were eligible to compete.
The contestants go through a vigorous selection process, including interviews, swimsuit or athletic wear and evening gown photoshoots, and participation in a live show.
Josh Yugen, chief executive of Yugen Group and the national director of Miss Universe Bahrain told The National, “The Miss Universe Organization is always the greatest and most innovative platform of its kind, and now it will be more inclusive and welcoming to mothers and married women.”
“For me, this is aligned with what I have been fighting for — breaking stereotypes and unlearning the stigma that the old society has forced on us from many, many decades ago.”
According to the Miss Universe website, “The winner of the competition must be confident.”
“She must understand the values of our brand and the responsibilities of the title. She must have the ability to articulate her ambition. A delegate should demonstrate authenticity, credibility and exhibit grace under pressure. The women who compete embody the modern, global aspiration for the potential within all women.”