<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-topline">TOPLINE</h2>



The reigning winner of the Miss Universe beauty pageant, Andrea Meza, said Wednesday the next edition of the competition set to be held in Israel shouldn’t be politicized, amid pressure for contestants to set aside their hopes for the crown and boycott the event in solidarity with Palestinians.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-facts">KEY FACTS</h2>



Meza, a 27-year-old who represents Mexico,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-travel-lifestyle-boycotts-middle-east-d55495b4c920b2e9b708e4425fcc2699" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">told</a>&nbsp;the&nbsp;Associated Press&nbsp;she wouldn’t fault women who boycotted this year’s pageant, but said she had no problem with it being held in Israel, stating that “it’s just about embracing other women.”



Palestinian activist groups like PACBI, a founding&nbsp;<a href="https://bdsmovement.net/pacbi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">member</a>&nbsp;of the movement for a cultural and academic boycott on Israel, called on contestants to “do no harm to our struggle for freedom, justice and equality by withdrawing from the pageant.”



Meza will hand over the crown in December when the 70th Miss Universe pageant takes place in Eilat, Israel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chief-critic">CHIEF CRITIC</h2>



The South African government&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/government-withdraws-support-miss-south-africa-resisting-israel-boycott-2021-11-15/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">withdrew</a>&nbsp;its support for Miss South Africa on Monday after the local pageant organizer and the most recent winner, Lalela Mswane, refused to pull out of the competition earlier this week. Malaysia announced it would not send a representative due to Covid-19, but the country has been a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-malaysia-israel-ban/malaysia-imposes-ban-on-events-involving-israelis-idUSKCN1PA0MA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supporter</a>&nbsp;of Palestinian rights, the&nbsp;AP&nbsp;reports.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-background">KEY BACKGROUND</h2>



Paula Shugart, president of the Miss Universe Organization, said Israel has been in contention as a host country “due to its rich history, beautiful landscapes, myriad of cultures and appeal as a global tourist destination.” The BDS movement, which promotes boycotts, divestment and sanctions of Israel, has had mixed results in recent years, with some singers like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/dec/25/lorde-cancels-israel-concert-after-pro-palestinian-campaign" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lorde</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/aug/31/lana-del-rey-pulls-out-of-israeli-festival-after-backlash#:~:text=Del%20Rey%20had%20come%20under,to%20play%20in%20apartheid%20Israel.%E2%80%9D" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lana Del Rey</a>&nbsp;cancelling shows in the country, while Irish author Sally Rooney&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/teakvetenadze/2021/10/12/author-sally-rooney-turns-down-israeli-publisher-in-solidarity-with-palestinians/?sh=5cdbde0e3f0d">declined</a>&nbsp;to have her most recent book translated into Hebrew until she found a publisher complaint with BDS’ “institutional boycott guidelines.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-reading">FURTHER READING</h2>



<a href="https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-travel-lifestyle-boycotts-middle-east-d55495b4c920b2e9b708e4425fcc2699" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">In Israel, Miss Universe says pageant no place for politics</a>&nbsp;(The&nbsp;Associated Press)



<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/government-withdraws-support-miss-south-africa-resisting-israel-boycott-2021-11-15/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Government withdraws support for Miss South Africa for resisting Israel boycott</a> (Reuters)



<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/annakaplan-1/"></a>By Anna Kaplan, Forbes Staff



<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/annakaplan-1/"></a>

The 69th Miss Universe Competition

Miss Universe Says Pageant In Israel Shouldn’t Be Politicized Amid Boycott Pressure

If it hadn’t been for the pandemic, Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi would have been traveling the world on assignments. The South African relates how her reign has been diffferent, as she works from her current home in New York, continuing to advocate for gender equality. A special read as her home country celebrates Women’s Month.



What have the last few months of being a Miss Universe been like, with the hovering pandemic?&nbsp; My reign as Miss Universe has been a different one from the usual. Like everyone else, I have also had to social distance and work from home, which is very out of the norm for a Miss Universe.



What has been the best moment of your reign so far? It was getting to go home for the first time after winning. I had a whole week of ‘welcome back’ celebrations. To see the faces of young girls and women when they looked at me and seeing a possibility that their lives too can change in an incredible way was heart-warming. Before I won, I had said I wanted to win because I want young girls to look at me and see their faces reflected in mine, for them to see that their dreams too are valid. To actually go home finally and see it happening is a blessing I will never forget nor take for granted.



As Miss Universe, what are some of the main aspects of your job? The biggest part of the job is traveling the world doing different work, from charity work to entertainment and speaking engagements. Every Miss Universe has a different social cause close to her heart. We take the year to address those issues, be it educating or raising awareness.With the travel ban all over the world due to the pandemic, I have not been able to travel. My last trip was to Indonesia in March. Even though I have not been able to travel, I have still done most events virtually. I have used all my social media platforms to continue championing gender equality and issues of race and racism using a hashtag we created #UniverseUnited. With this hashtag, we have been able to open conversations about different social issues, we have been able to educate and entertain each other from every corner of the world.



When you won the crown, there were some negative comments about the win. How have you been able to rise above them? When you challenge the status quo and go against the grain, people will always have mixed comments and emotions so I cannot say I did not expect some resistance. For me, the most important thing was, and is still today, to fight for inclusion and representation. I want to live in a diverse, inclusive world. When I won, that was a victory and a win for representation and inclusion. That is what helps me rise above the negativity; knowing that there is a bigger picture that matters, and not focusing my time on non-entities that have no contribution to progress in this world.



People, particularly here in South Africa, are still celebrating your victory as Miss Universe especially because you advocate ‘natural beauty’. Why do you think it is important for representation of people of color in media and business? It has been said many times before that we can’t be what we can’t see. For me, this is one example of many on why representation is important. If the media continues presenting horrible stereotypes of black people or people of color, there is no progress happening. We need more positive messages and images of black people out there, for young people to see a possibility of what they can become. Seeing a black, natural-haired Miss Universe as a young black girl growing up in a rural area is enough to spark a fire inside someone to want to strive for more and be more. To see a black president is enough to steer a young black man to the direction of his incredible dream to influence and change the world in a beautiful way. To see a woman leading a nation or company is enough for women to recognize the power that they have within them, it is enough for them to not be scared to step into their power and take up space.



Given everything happening in the world where society is highlighting racial and gender inequalities across organizations, platforms and sectors, what would you as Miss Universe like to see changed before your reign is over? Conversations have been heard. I would now love to see more action and implementation. Companies and platforms have tweeted, and they have said amazing things about progress when it comes to systemic racism, now, I would like to see more of them actually doing something. Most of the world is functioning on systemic racism, I would like to see in the future [beyond my reign], the dismantling of these problematic systems from the ground-up.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="796" height="1024" src="https://www.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Zozibini-Tunzi-796x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-47067" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Zozibini-Tunzi-796x1024.jpg 796w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Zozibini-Tunzi-scaled-300x386.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Zozibini-Tunzi-scaled-600x771.jpg 600w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Zozibini-Tunzi-233x300.jpg 233w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Zozibini-Tunzi-768x987.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Zozibini-Tunzi-1195x1536.jpg 1195w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Zozibini-Tunzi-1593x2048.jpg 1593w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Zozibini-Tunzi-scaled.jpg 1991w" sizes="(max-width: 796px) 100vw, 796px" /></figure>



What do you say to people who regard pageants like Miss Universe as ‘anti-feminist’? We are all entitled to have different views and opinions about things. Miss Universe started as a swimsuit competition, which some may regard as objectifying women, so it’s not far off or shocking that some people feel this way. However, just like everything else, the pageant has evolved and is continuing to evolve every day. I have seen women come on this platform and champion a variety of social issues. I have seen them being empowered and empowering other women. As a Miss Universe, I have been able to amplify my message of gender equality and gender-based violence through incredible partnerships and relationships. I have been able to challenge and open conversations about beauty stereotypes that have been pushed on to women for many years. For me, it has always been about what I can do with this platform to influence positive change, not only in my community, but throughout the world.



Female empowerment is something you champion; can you tell us why this is so important to you? And also draw on how you would like to continue to empower women even beyond your reign as Miss Universe. I believe in the empowerment of every different kind of woman, regardless of gender or race. It is important because we need to get to a place where every gender is equal, one where we are not bound by patriarchy and inequality. Not only is it killing our future, but it is killing countries and economies. Women are just as capable as anyone else to get the job done, so let them do the job. It’s also not asking for special treatment — just equality.



Miss Universe is about sisterhood. Have your predecessors given you any advice during your reign and who has given the best advice (and what was the advice)? Yes, absolutely. The former winners have given advice whenever I speak to them. I think the one common advice they have given me is to focus on things that matter and what I want to achieve during my time as Miss Universe and to cancel out all the noise. Pageant fans can be brutal and toxic so it’s important to know why you are there and not lose focus.



You currently live in New York City, how has it been? What do you miss most about South Africa? It’s quite unfortunate I have not been able to experience New York extensively due to the pandemic, but the little that I have experienced has been great. What I miss the most about South Africa is my family, the diversity of my people and the food.



Looking at your recent partnership with 1st for women, what attracted you to the brand? It is the belief that 1st for women has in women; the belief in our resolve and power, and that we have space in this world to thrive just like everyone else. I also share these beliefs, and so that is why this is the perfect partnership.



Finally, what next after Miss Universe? Most of my plans I cannot disclose yet. What I can say though is that I will always champion gender equality and women’s rights even beyond my years as Miss Universe.

Empire State Building Hosts Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi

Miss Universe In The Time Of Covid-19: Zozibini Tunzi On Influencing Positive Change

In December, Zozibini Tunzi made South Africa – still euphoric after the rugby world cup win – proud again by winning the Miss Universe pageant in Atlanta. She also campaigns against gender-based violence and believes the world is ready to embrace a different narrative of beauty. 



From the quiet village of Tsolo in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa to the catwalks of the world, Zozibini Tunzi is the newly-minted Miss Universe, the first black South African to win the global pageant. In this interview FORBES AFRICA conducted with her before her historic win, while she was still Miss South Africa, she conveys the struggles of being a woman in her home country.



What does it mean for you to carry the title of Miss South Africa?



South Africa is a democratic country; that means it [must]
not discriminate against anyone, it should give everyone living in it equal
opportunity. The reality is that being a woman in South Africa is still a
struggle. We have come so far from the Stone Age and a lot has changed but more
can still be done. We find that women are still trying to shatter the glass
ceiling and I hope one day we won&#8217;t have to do that. 



It means that I am a representation of South African women.
I want women and young girls to look at me and see their faces reflected in
mine. 



What is the one thing you would like to change about the beauty industry?



For the longest time, the assumption of beauty has been
one-dimensional and westernized. There hadn&#8217;t been a wide range of
representation in the beauty industry for women. It has taken a while for the
world to recognize being African as beautiful. We are now slowly moving into a
space where black and being curvy is also beautiful just at it has always been.
It needs to change at a faster pace. I&#8217;m hopeful that we will soon get there.



Any anecdotes from the New York Fashion Week you attended ? 



It was one of the greatest highlights of my Miss South
Africa journey. What people may not know is that I have no background in
modeling, so for me to do a fashion show at that level, was mind-blowing. I
remember seeing the models I knew from America’s Next Top Model and thinking,
‘geez, Zozi, you&#8217;re really here doing this’. I am forever grateful to have been
able to experience that, especially with South African designers.



Who are some of your role models?



Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and Harriet Tubman. What
these women have in common is their ability to be very firm in what they
believe in. They are fighters and they are fearless.



What are some of the values you live by?



Humility, kindness and respect. They are the core of
everything I live by.



What message would you like to leave young African women inspired by you?



My message to them is to never compromise on who they are and what they believe in. They should not be afraid to bend the rules even if just a little. All the greats in the world have had to fight for what they believe in so we shouldn&#8217;t be scared to do it too.

The 2019 Miss Universe Pageant – Show

‘Don’t Be Afraid To Bend The Rules’ – Miss Universe

&nbsp;Catriona Gray from the Philippines <g class="gr_ gr_3 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Grammar multiReplace" id="3" data-gr-id="3">was crowned</g> Miss Universe on Monday, the fourth time the Southeast Asian country has won the international beauty pageant.



Gray, a 24-year-old Filipino-Australian model, won the title in the Thai capital Bangkok where the pageant included for the first time a transgender contestant.



“My heart is filled with so much gratitude. There were moments of doubt where I felt overwhelmed and I felt the pressure,” said Gray, who wore a red and orange dress that was inspired by Mount Mayon, a volcano that erupted this year.



Miss South Africa, Tamaryn Green, 24 was the first runner-up, followed by Miss Venezuela, Sthefany Gutiérrez, 19.



Gray was asked during the contest about her views on legalizing marijuana and replied that she supported it for medical uses.



After she was crowned, Gray told reporters the question was “definitely relevant” and “an active topic”, in an apparent reference to the war on drugs in the Philippines that has killed thousands of Filipinos and caused international alarm.



Gray said during the pageant that working in a Manila slum had taught her to find beauty in difficult situations.



“If I could teach people to be grateful, we could have an amazing world where negativity could not grow and foster, and children would have a smile on their face,” she said.



Miss Spain, Angela Ponce, 27, made history as the first transgender contestant in the 66-year-old pageant.



Gray is the fourth Filipina to win Miss Universe and the second in three years. The pageant was shown live on the country’s biggest television network and dominated social media.



Salvador Panelo, spokesman for President Rodrigo Duterte, said her win would put the country on the world map for its “beauty and elegance.”



“In her success, Miss Philippines has shown to the world that women in our country have the ability to turn dreams into reality through passion, diligence, determination and hard work,” he said.



The Philippines previously won Miss Universe titles in 2015, 1973 and 1969. &#8211; Reuters



<ul><li>Patpicha Tanakasempipat and Neil Jerome Morales </li></ul>

Tag: miss universe

FORBES AFRICA SOCIAL MEDIA

Miss Universe Says Pageant In Israel Shouldn’t Be Politicized Amid Boycott Pressure

Miss Universe In The Time Of Covid-19: Zozibini Tunzi On Influencing Positive Change

‘Don’t Be Afraid To Bend The Rules’ – Miss Universe

South Africa’s Tamaryn Green is first runner-up at Miss Universe pageant