Source: Miss Universe.
According to an internal memo, the Miss Universe competition will be opened to women regardless of their marital or parental status.
Since its establishment in 1952, only women who were aged between 18 and 28 were eligible for the global competition. It was also a requirement that they be single and without children while carrying the title.
However, that’s set to change as next year’s competition will see married women as well as mothers be eligible to compete, although it’s been confirmed that the age range will not change.
“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,” said the internal memo that was seen by The National News.
Miss Universe 2020 winner Andrea Meza from Mexico spoke to Insider and detailed how excited she is to see this happening.
“Just like society changes and women are now occupying leadership positions where in the past only men could, it was about time pageants changed and opened up to women with families.”
“There are a lot of women that got married young or had kids in their early 20s and they always wanted to participate in Miss Universe but couldn’t because of the rules, now those women can start or boost their careers in entertainment because of these changes.
“Just like in any other industry, women are capable of having demanding leadership positions without or with a family, it is no different in this case.”
Australia’s second Miss Universe title holder Jennifer Hawkins has yet to comment on the matter.
The 70-year-old competition is broadcast in over 190 countries and territories and can have more than 80 participants from various countries around the globe.
The current Miss Universe title holder is Harnaaz Snandhu of India with this year’s competition to be held in a location yet to be revealed.
