The Miss Universe pageant takes place on 18th November in El Salvador. Organisers have introduced new rules to make the contest more inclusive. Married women and mothers can compete for the first time. And the age rule has been abolished, allowing people over 28 to participate. This year’s line-up includes two married mothers, two transgender women and a plus-sized queen.

We hear from the pageant’s new owner, Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip, as well as current candidates Miss Colombia (Camila Avella), Miss Nepal (Jane Garrett), and Miss Netherlands (Rikkie Kollé).

Despite its efforts to promote inclusivity, Miss Universe still faces criticism for being anti-feminist. Author Jessa Crispin explains.

Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenters: Hannah Gelbart and William Lee Adams Producers: Julia Ross-Roy and Mora Morrison Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

Miss Universe: Can beauty pageants ever be inclusive? 15:26 Share

What in the World

Shownotes Transcript

Miss Universe: Can beauty pageants ever be inclusive?