The Miss Universe Organisation has made a ground-breaking decision to defy convention and remove the maximum age restriction for contestants, marking a significant turning point in the illustrious history of the competition. The Miss Universe Organisation has undergone considerable changes, and this dramatic change was highlighted during Tanner Fletcher’s “Beauty Pageant” exhibition at New York Fashion Week this spring, where Miss Universe 2022, R’Bonney Gabriel, played a crucial part in showcasing these changes.
The Miss Universe pageant has strictly imposed a maximum age limit of 28 years since its beginning in 1952. However, this age restriction has now been lifted in a move that represents a strong commitment to diversity and tolerance. This historic decision has paved the way for women of all ages to participate in the pageant and challenge the conventional norms of beauty competitions.
The previous age record has been broken by R’Bonney Gabriel, the reigning Miss Universe 2022 and, at 29 years old, the oldest person to ever hold the coveted title. She fiercely advocated for this revolutionary reform, saying that “Age is not a barrier to a woman’s ability to compete and achieve greatness.” Her statements are in line with the new organisational ethos, which promotes empowerment and inclusivity.
This historic rule modification reflects more than a single commitment to diversity and will become the new standard for pageants around the world in 2024. Despite the removal of the age restriction, competitors must still be at least 18 years old in order to compete, guaranteeing that all competitors are of legal age.
R’Bonney Gabriel firmly declared during her launch at New York Fashion Week that “we believe in a world where age should never define a woman’s worth or potential.” You know what, a lot of people tend to follow what we do. It’s good to be a standard-bearer, and I’m pleased that we get to do that, she continued. “It’s a bold group of women in charge over here,” she said.
The transgender entrepreneur Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip, who last year purchased the Miss Universe Organisation for $20 million, is credited with this progressive change in policy. Her inspirational leadership has swiftly moved the organisation in the direction of a future that celebrates diversity and dismantles antiquated obstacles.
By lifting limitations on married, divorced, and expectant contenders for the 2024 season, the Miss Universe Organisation has made a significant step towards inclusivity under the leadership of Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip. The organization’s dedication to embracing diversity and altering beauty standards is demonstrated by this change.
R’Bonney Gabriel is adamant about promoting age inclusivity as well as sustainable change-making. She founded her own casualwear business and is committed to using recycled materials and encouraging more environmentally friendly design. Gabriel’s dedication goes beyond her time as Miss Universe since she wants to keep the conversation going and spread awareness about this important issue.
Looking ahead, Gabriel plans to use her platform to build a sustainable brand, emphasising the substantial contribution she aims to make when her reign as Miss Universe ends. The Miss Universe Organisation is setting a new benchmark with these forward-thinking efforts, asserting that empowerment knows no bounds and beauty recognises no age.
This momentous decision to remove the maximum age limit and encourage diversity marks a watershed point in the history of beauty pageants. Under the innovative leadership of Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip, the Miss Universe Organisation is prepared to alter the industry’s future, emphasising that beauty and empowerment are really ageless and limitless.As the world eagerly anticipates the next Miss Universe pageant, the stage is set for a new era of inclusivity and inspiration.
