"OH WOW Nepal's Jane Dipika Garrett is SUCH A BEAUTY and defies stereotype in Miss Universe. I LOVE that the crowd is cheering for her. Finally a representation of plus size women in the Ms. U!!! GOO GOO JANE cheering for you," one person tweeted.
In the recent 72nd Miss Universe competition, the event was marked by numerous groundbreaking moments. A notable standout was Miss Nepal, who etched her name in history as the inaugural plus-size woman to step onto the Miss Universe stage.
This year's 72nd Miss Universe competition witnessed several historic firsts, and one contestant who garnered widespread support is 22-year-old Jane Dipika Garrett, the reigning Miss Nepal.
Earlier this year, Garrett clinched the coveted title of Miss Nepal, earning the opportunity to represent her nation at the prestigious Miss Universe competition.
Held at the Gimnasio Nacional José Adolfo Pineda in San Salvador, El Salvador, on November 18, the event marked a groundbreaking moment as Garrett became the first-ever plus-sized contestant to grace the renowned stage.
"As a curvy woman who doesn’t follow certain beauty standards, I’m here to represent all women," she said, per Indy100, proud to be an advocate of body positivity.
Garrett's presence on the Miss Universe stage did not go unnoticed, and the significance of her inclusion was palpable among the audience.
Cheers erupted from those in attendance as the 22-year-old confidently walked the stage in a striking silver one-piece during the swimsuit competition.
Viewers watching from home enthusiastically expressed their joy, with many turning to social media platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter) to shower the beauty queen with praise for her empowering and groundbreaking representation.
Another added: "Jane Dipika Garrett, you’ve broken barriers. Many women around the world see themselves in you. Congrats on Top 20, my sentimental fave."
And a third viewer tweeted: "Pleased to see Miss Nepal in the Miss Universe Competition which is dominated by slim ladies. It’s refreshing to see all body types there too. Women have all sorts of bodies and every kind of body is beautiful."
Aside from her role as Miss Nepal, Garrett actively promotes body positivity and advocates for hormonal health, with a focus on conditions like PCOS and mental health. Her advocacy is fueled by her own struggles with PCOS, which, in turn, led to battles with depression.
She previously told Hola Magazine: "A few years ago, I was a very insecure person and had very low self-esteem. Now, I love myself, and that’s success to me."
Another historic milestone in this year's Miss Universe competition was the debut of the first-ever Miss Pakistan.
Erica Robin, representing Pakistan, made a groundbreaking statement during the swimsuit competition at the Miss Universe pageant.
Hector Vivas / Stringer / Getty
The audience in San Salvador erupted with applause as Robin confidently showcased a trailblazing look in a stunning pastel pink burkini that covered much of her body, standing out among the more daring swimsuits that graced the stage.
Regrettably, according to BBC News, Erica Robin's participation in the competition faced backlash, with certain Pakistani politicians deeming it "shameful." Even the Caretaker Prime Minister, Anwar ul-Haq Kakar, went so far as to order an investigation into the matter.
Responding to the uproar, 24-year-old Robin said: "It feels great to represent Pakistan. But I don't understand where the backlash is coming from. I think it is this idea that I would be parading in a swimsuit in a room full of men."
Before the competition, Erica Robin expressed her aspiration to "change the mindset that Pakistan is a backward country."
However, despite the challenges she faced, the ultimate winner of the competition turned out to be Sheynnis Palacios, representing Nicaragua.