Rumy Alqahtani, a Saudi Arabian woman, is poised to compete in the 2024 Miss Universe Beauty Pageant, marking a significant shift in Saudi Arabia’s stance on beauty pageants, in line with reforms promoted by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.
Alqahtani, a 27-year-old Riyadh native, expressed her excitement on Instagram about representing Saudi Arabia on the global stage. Her participation signifies the country’s debut in the prestigious beauty pageant, reflecting changing societal norms and attitudes towards women’s empowerment.
https://www.instagram.com/p/C46cXXjsoOT/?igsh=MWU1OWQ0aHZ3aXh3ag==
Notably, Alqahtani will be the second woman from the Gulf region to compete in the Miss Universe pageant, following Miss Universe Bahrain from the previous year.
While Alqahtani’s participation is seen as a step towards progress, it has also sparked controversy, particularly among conservative Muslims. Critics argue that beauty pageants contradict Islamic values and objectify women, leading to widespread outrage, especially in countries like Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s envoy to the UN, Abdulaziz Alwasil, was elected as the chair of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in an uncontested race. This decision has drawn criticism from human rights groups, citing Saudi Arabia’s questionable record on gender equality.
As Saudi Arabia continues to navigate social reform and cultural tradition, Alqahtani’s participation in the Miss Universe pageant serves as a poignant symbol of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and women’s empowerment in the kingdom. Her journey, amidst controversy and criticism, sheds light on the nuanced dynamics shaping the role of women in Saudi society and fuels the broader global conversation on women’s rights.