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Rediff.com  » Getahead » Why Zozibini Tunzi is the Miss Universe we need

Why Zozibini Tunzi is the Miss Universe we need

By Rediff Get Ahead
Last updated on: December 11, 2019 12:24 IST
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Miss South Africa Zozibini Tunzi, who was crowned Miss Universe 2019, has some inspiring words for you!

Photographs: Paras Griffin/Getty Images

Zozibini Tunzi, 26, has become an inspiration for millions of young girls across the globe.

The activist from South Africa, who hopes to promote natural beauty among women, won the title of Miss Universe 2019 -- 99 beauty queens competed for the coveted title.

The first black woman from her country to win the title, she is working towards a gender-neutral society.

'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 exclaimed during the final round of the beauty pageant.

'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.'

Soon after the win, she posted a pic on Instagram and wrote, 'I wish I was able to respond to each and everyone but it's impossible.

'I want to thank you all so much for the lovely messages and support.

'I knew I had my country standing with me on that stage and it is evident in every kind word you have said to me.

'And to my new family, from all around the world, I thank you too for your well wishes and love.'

Scroll down to read some inspiring messages shared by the newly minted Miss Universe.

1. 'I proudly state my name Zozibini Tunzi, Miss Universe 2019'

Inspiring every girl to embrace their natural beauty, Zozibini said, 'Tonight a door was opened and I could not be more grateful to have been the one to have walked through it. May every little girl who witnessed this moment forever believe in the power of her dreams and may they see their faces reflected in mine.

2. 'I am because you are'

Thanking her parents for everything they did for her, she wrote: 'I am because you are. You’ve given me life, you’ve raised me to be the woman I am so that I can stand in a far away land proudly knowing where I’m rooted and where I come from. You’ve sacrificed so much and fought battles I don’t even know about, everything so that we could have all the opportunities the Universe has to offer.'

3. Speaking up for what she believes in...

Sharing some important advice about fashion, she wrote: 'Sometimes we only realize how important our voices are when we need to speak up for what we believe in.'

4. Women, here's her message for you!

'My wish for every woman...to have the courage to show up, as you are. Your imperfections are what make you perfect so do the world a favour and let us see you in all your glorious wonder!' 

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