Why Miss Universe 2025 Was a Women’s Power Moment

The 2025 Miss Universe Pageant will go down as one of the most powerful, drama-filled, and ultimately inspiring moments in the competition’s history and at the center of it all was Mexico’s Fátima Bosch, a 25-year-old beauty queen whose win was more than a victory for Mexico; it was a victory for women everywhere who refuse to be silenced. 

During the November 21 finale that captivated millions, Fátima Bosch became the first Miss Universe from Tabasco, adding a historic milestone to Mexico’s pageant legacy. However, her path to the crown wasn’t smooth. 

Weeks earlier, she walked out of a sashing event after the pageant’s Thai director called her “dumb” during a livestream for allegedly not participating in a sponsor shoot. Bosch stood her ground and when she tried to respond, security was called to escort her out. In an unprecedented show of solidarity, several contestants, including the reigning Miss Universe, walked out with her. 

What could have been a moment of humiliation quickly became a global symbol of women standing up for their dignity and demanding respect. Following the incident, Bosch addressed the press stating: “He called me dumb because he has problems with the organization. I’m trying to give my best, and he just shot me down. The world needs to see this because we are empowered women, and this is a platform for our voice. No one can shut our voice.” This moment reframed the pageant: from a “beauty contest” to a stage for women’s dignity, solidarity and courage.

Even as the competition moved forward, chaos continued to swirl backstage, two judges resigned days before the finale. The first, composer Omar Harfouch, alleged a “secret jury” had already picked the finalists and that the official judging panel was bypassed entirely; these allegations fueled online speculation about fairness and favoritism. Another judge, Claude Makélélé, French football manager and former professional player, reportedly also stepped down due to “unforeseen personal reasons” following Harfouch’s announcement. These dramatic resignations cast a shadow over the legitimacy of the pageant’s final voting. 

In a year when the pageant world faced intense scrutiny, Miss Universe 2025 became a renewed testament to resilience, empowerment, and the unstoppable force of women who know their worth and refuse to let anyone diminish it. A major milestone this year was the debut of Palestine’s first-ever representative, with Nadeen Ayoub making history as the country’s inaugural Miss Universe contestant.

Another dramatic moment of the pageant saw Miss Jamaica, Gabrielle Henry, take a serious fall off the stage during the preliminary evening gown round. Henry was rushed to hospital and remains in intensive care. According to representatives, Gabrielle Henry is under close care in Thailand. As her sister Dr. Phylicia Henry-Samuels shared, “Gabby isn’t doing as well as we would have hoped, but the hospital continues to treat her accordingly.” Officials added that while she remains in the ICU, the family reports she is “in good spirits” as she travels the road to recovery.

Crown & Comeback: Fátima Bosch, Miss Universe 2025

Despite swirling allegations, Fátima Bosch was crowned the 2025 Miss Universe. The crowd cheered, supporters waved Mexican flags, and for many fans around the world, the win felt like a triumph of resilience. 

In accepting her crown, Fátima Bosch’s victory resonated far beyond the pageant runway. It became a symbol: that women can stand up for themselves, even when the odds and the people in power push back. Her win sends a message to young women everywhere: beauty isn’t just about appearance. It’s about integrity, voice, self-respect and about refusing to stay silent when someone tries to diminish you. 

In a year marked by controversy, walkouts, judge resignations and scandal, the crown ended up on the head of a woman who refused to be silenced. That’s not just a win for Mexico. That’s a win for women globally.