Recently, Saudi Arabia, one of the biggest Islamic countries has approved the participation of Miss Universe Pageant 2024. This is big news and a bigger step for Saudi Arabia because Islamic people do not allow their women to participate in public events like these. This step is a very essential step which should have been taken a long back. In the world we live in, every country and every person is stepping towards a brighter future where women are no longer asked to only occupy themselves with household chores. 

Nowadays women are making names equal to men and taking the responsibilities equally be it their business or job, or be it being a mother and wife. But the real question is have the women’s lives changed? The revolt, the fight for equality, the equal rights, have they got it all? The answer is No. Women have more rights, more freedom, and more opportunity than before but the goal is not yet achieved. The step of Saudi Arabia is just the beginning of women's empowerment, equality, and freedom.

Breaking Barriers: Saudi Arabia's Miss Universe Debut

The development that stepped into the public domain when Saudi Arabia became a participant in the Miss Universe pageant was a surprise to many, for earlier the Islamic country had held a conservative view on women's participation in public events. The Model Rumy Alqahtani is going to be the first-ever candidate from her country for such a big competition.

This means the crown is breaking this stereotype which is also a trend of changing the norms regarding gender roles. Now the world cannot define the roles of women and neither can a religion. People need to understand that women are not just made for being a wife or a mother or a daughter, they can also be a businesswoman, an engineer, a doctor, an astronaut, basically anything they want to be.

Challenging Stereotypes: Changing Standards of Beauty

Through the sending of one of its representatives to participate in the Miss Universe pageant, Saudi Arabia aims to overthrow the stereotypes and re-establish beauty perceptions in its society. The representation of different shapes, faces, and stories in beauty shows gives out an important message of inclusivity and tolerance that drives women of different sizes to appreciate and value their uniqueness.

A Platform for Empowerment

Women’s participation in beauty pageants like Miss Universe gives them a platform to address the issues they care about and promote causes big or small that help others. Besides this, contestants often use their platform to tackle social issues, fundraise for charitable causes, and to help to implement positive social changes within their community. That is an opportunity for Saudi Arabia to bring to the forefront the advances that women's rights have achieved, and also those areas which still need more attention and reform.

A Catalyst for Change: The Reflection of the Reality

The choice to participate in the Miss Universe is not only about becoming the beauty queen; it is also about clear and prominent global visibility. Through the portrayal of Saudi women as talented, intelligent, and attractive at the global level, the country will challenge the misconceptions and destroy the barriers which were for a long time hindering women's growth. This makes a huge difference in the image of Saudi ladies and the ability to help them use their tremendous talents to serve the community meaningfully. This also declares that the Saudi Arabian government is changing its perception of women. And the people who do not agree with this, they need to change their mind. Because people are moving forward, and they are still living in the old world.

Navigating Criticisms: Cultural Sensitivity Addressing

While Saudi Arabian joined the Miss Universe, some applauded the move while some, especially those from the highly conservative quarters, expressed criticism or criticism. Some are against beauty pageants because they think that they are not in line with Islamic norms and objectify women, while others are questioning the relevance of these kinds of events in empowering women.

Some of the Muslim communities is baffled by this decision of Saudi Arabia and why not? They just don’t want anything to change. They want to keep women behind the veil and their feet in the kitchen. Those people need to understand that women's growth is not going to make their religion any less respected. And before that, it should not be about religion. Despite this, what women's empowerment entails goes beyond contributing to Miss Universe at the end of the day. It encompasses one component of a complex process that will lead to gender equality.

The Road Ahead: Striving for Progress

Saudi Arabia's entry into Miss Universe is undoubtedly a step in the right direction, but it's essential to acknowledge that there's still much work to be done in advancing women's rights and gender equality. While recent reforms, such as lifting the ban on driving and relaxing dress codes, have been significant milestones, there are still systemic barriers that need to be addressed, such as the male guardianship system and discriminatory laws.

Finally, having Saudi Arabia’s representative on this prestigious international stage during the Miss Universe 2024 pageant symbolizes a milestone in the kingdom's continuing journey leading to the empowerment of women and equality between genders. With the embracement of diversity, the rejection of stereotypes, and the promotion of women's perspectives, Saudi women are taking steps towards the achievement of a more fair and equitable system. 

It may be the challenges and the criticism that will arise on the way but the exaltation of justice and the aspiration that the change for the better will remain guarded. Having Saudi Arabia in the Miss Universe pageant is a milestone and as we are celebrating it, we should also continue the work to improve women's position and create a better and inclusive future for everyone because the work is not yet done.