Ecuador’s Miss Universe Contestant Breaks Barriers at 46
In a groundbreaking move, Ecuador may have a 46-year-old woman representing the small Andean nation in the upcoming Miss Universe beauty pageant. Yajaira Quizhpi, who hails from the Sierra region, is vying for the national title of Miss Universe Ecuador, making her the oldest woman in the country’s history to participate in the prestigious contest.
This Saturday, Quizhpi and 24 other contestants will compete at the pageant’s final in Machala, El Oro province. The winner will go on to represent Ecuador at the Miss Universe competition in Mexico in September. Quizhpi, a chemical engineer born in Azogues, Cañar province, expressed her pride and gratitude for the opportunity to break barriers and challenge societal norms.
The Miss Universe organization recently changed its rules related to age, allowing contestants of any age to participate. This shift in policy has opened doors for women like Quizhpi, who previously would not have been eligible to compete. The organization also green-lit the participation of married or divorced women, as well as mothers, further diversifying the pool of contestants.
Fellow contestants have shown their support for Quizhpi, with 29-year-old Daysi Laman, a divorced mother of three, praising her bravery and intelligence. Another participant, Carolina Cobo, a single mother from Pichincha province, emphasized the importance of challenging social stigmas and empowering women to pursue their dreams regardless of age or marital status.
In Latin America, the issue of age in beauty pageants has been a topic of discussion, with Alejandra Rodriguez making headlines earlier this year as the first sexagenarian to win a Miss Universe franchise contest in Buenos Aires. While Rodriguez’s Miss Universe journey ended in May, she believes her participation marks the beginning of a positive change in the industry.
However, the Miss Universe organization has faced criticism in recent weeks, following the resignations of Miss USA and Miss Teen USA amid allegations of mismanagement and toxic conditions. Despite these challenges, contestants like Quizhpi continue to inspire others with their determination and courage to defy societal expectations and pursue their dreams on the global stage.