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Women from the MENA region are making waves in the world of beauty and pageantry. From Bahrain to Egypt, the MENA women are changing and challenging the status quo. And it seems there’s one more powerful individual joining the roster and striding towards the same direction.
Taking the crown for Somalia, signifying their first-ever representative, Khadijah Omar is also marking her entrance as the first hijabi woman to participate in the renowned competition, Miss Universe.
Embarking on a journey of firsts, the Somalian pageant queen is set to take the international stage at the upcoming 73rd edition of Miss Universe on November 16, 2024.
In what seemed to be an impossible feat, Khadijah stands as an exemplar of dreams that do come true. As a hijabi, a Somalian, and most of all, a woman of many stories, GRAZIA shares a few facts you need to know about Khadijah Omar.
From Kenya to Canada
Khadijah was born in Kenya at the Hagadera Refugee Camp which is managed by the UNHCR Field Office Alinjugur. At 10 years old, the model and her family migrated to Canada in search of a better life. This experience led her drive to become the woman she is today. As a woman of resilience, she stands as a testament to young Muslim girls who are persevering to make a change.
A woman of many talents
One thing is certain, Khadijah is a woman whose talents rival others. Beyond the realms of being a major beauty influencer and model, she’s also a woman who prides herself in her make up skills. But most of all, she is a proud photographer and retoucher that visually communicates stories of inspiration.
A pageantry CONNOISSEUR
Before earning her title as the first hijabi woman to enter Miss Universe, she was also the first hijabi to be crowned in Miss World 2021. Fuelling her passion even more, she landed in Miss Universe Canada as the 3rd runner-up, even more so being the youngest out of the contestants at 23 years old and earning the title Miss Photogenic.
A changemaker & social activist
It goes without saying that Khadijah is a woman of virtue. Known for her endeavours to challenge the beauty standards with her background, she is also a woman who understands the importance of representation and raising awareness. Taking her past as a source of her unwavering pride and passion, her advocacy, which extends far beyond beauty, includes educating and spreading awareness of the climate change that is deeply impacting her home country, Somalia. Her relentless drive to improve education and healthcare in a myriad of activations guided her to stand for her people who are displaced, aiming to change the narrative.
A social media guru
On the other side of her influencer life, Khadijah is a proud social media specialist in the beauty and fashion industry. Having graduated from York University, she has specialised her expertise in the areas of community building and brand development.
