At a recent women’s forum in Santa Tecla, El Salvador, Miss Universe 2025 Fatima Bosch offered a distinct perspective on entering the world of beauty pageants. Her comments came during a session of the “Mujeres que Transforman” (Women Who Transform) event, where she was invited to share insights with aspiring pageant participants.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Miss-Universe-2025-Miss-Mexico-Fatima-Bosch-winner-112025-6226779d48164f8fad9a61a1ee886469.jpg)
The forum included a question from an audience member who expressed a desire to understand how women in El Salvador might gather the confidence and support needed to join pageantry. The participant remarked on a perceived lack of opportunities for potential contestants to feel secure in pursuing pageant dreams. In response, Bosch, who rose to fame after clinching the Miss Universe title on November 21, 2025, provided an unexpected take on the pageantry experience.
Bosch conveyed her belief that beauty pageants are not necessarily suited for everyone. She stated, “Honestly, I wouldn’t advise just anyone to enter a beauty pageant.” She elaborated on her own path to becoming Miss Universe, indicating that her journey was not a conventional choice, suggesting a divine purpose in her ascent.
She highlighted that the essence of the Miss Universe title depends largely on the individual’s intentions and projects. “If you have an important project—something you want to give visibility to—and you view this platform as a tool to serve that purpose, then go for it,” she advised the audience. Bosch urged aspiring beauty queens to focus on meaningful causes, rather than merely seeking titleholder status for personal gain.
Reflecting on her own experience after winning, Bosch acknowledged the challenges she faced, particularly with the unrealistic standards often associated with pageant contestants. She admitted that she “certainly didn’t fit the exact measurements” traditionally demanded and described her role since winning as “scary.” Her comments align with her overarching message that women should challenge the conventional standards presented by the beauty industry.
Towards the conclusion of her address, Bosch encouraged women to embrace imperfection and use the pageantry platform as a vehicle for societal change. “If you want to enter a beauty pageant to challenge that mold—to show all women and girls that you don’t have to be ‘perfect,’ and that you bring with you a project that will benefit humanity—then go right ahead,” she asserted, inspiring her audience to forge their own paths.
Bosch’s victorious journey has not been without controversy. Notably, she had a public confrontation with Nawat Itsaragrisil, an executive affiliated with the Miss Universe competition, during an event in Thailand. The exchange drew attention after Itsaragrisil reprimanded Bosch for not participating in a promotional photo shoot intended for contestants’ social media. During the heated encounter, Bosch stood her ground, asserting her right to be treated with respect and dignity as both a contestant and a representative of her nation.
The tension escalated to such an extent that Bosch and several other contestants opted to exit the room, an act of solidarity that underscored their collective stance against disrespect. Following the incident, Itsaragrisil issued an apology, acknowledging the discomfort caused to the contestants.
Despite the tumultuous nature of her journey, Bosch’s advocacy for authenticity and representation in pageantry appears to resonate with many. Her candid remarks at the forum suggest a desire to transform the perception of beauty pageants into a platform for empowerment rather than mere spectacle.
As she cultivates her role in the public eye, Bosch’s vision champions a progressive approach to pageantry, encouraging women to utilise the platform for societal betterment. Each of her statements serves as a call to action for those aspiring to be part of the beauty contest circuit while promoting a message of self-acceptance and meaningful change.
In an era where discussions about body image and women’s empowerment are increasingly prominent, Bosch stands as a symbol of a new wave of pageantry that values authenticity over convention. Her experiences, encapsulated in her words, offer aspiring beauty queens a refreshing reminder of what it truly means to participate in this world.