This archive report was first published on 14 December 2019.
On December 8, 2019, a historic moment took place at the Miss Universe pageant in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. Zozibini Tunzi, a 26-year-old South African beauty queen, was crowned Miss Universe 2019, marking a significant milestone in breaking beauty barriers and challenging historical bias.
Ms. Tunzi's win was met with widespread praise, with many hailing her as a symbol of 'black girl magic.' Her advocacy for natural beauty and self-love resonated with many, particularly in Africa where 40% of women bleach their skin, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
However, beneath the praise and celebration, there were also undercurrents of cynicism and unfair comparison. Some Kenyans took to social media to express their thoughts, with some using phrases like 'African beauty' and 'Natural beauty' in a way that seemed to imply a comparison to 'un-African' and 'unnatural beauty.'
But as Ms. Tunzi herself said, '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.' Her words were a powerful reminder that beauty is not just about physical appearance, but about self-love and acceptance.
As we celebrate Ms. Tunzi's historic win, let us also recognize the importance of breaking down beauty standards and promoting inclusivity and diversity. By doing so, we can create a world where every woman feels beautiful and valued, regardless of her skin tone or physical appearance.
