DUBAI: Egyptian model Logina Salah was recently crowned Miss Universe Egypt 2024, a victory that she believes signifies progress toward greater inclusivity in the world.
The 34-year-old makeup artist, model, body positivity advocate and single mother — who faced childhood bullying due to her vitiligo, a skin condition — triumphed over 12 finalists to win the title at an event in Cairo.
“I feel like the world is getting closer to including everybody. It wasn’t allowed for moms to participate, or any woman above 30, and I didn’t like participating in ‘moms pageantry’; I do not like labeling,” Salah, who is based in Dubai, said of the rules that changed in 2023.
She added: “When those restrictions were lifted, I saw it as the perfect opportunity. Pageantry was always on my mind, but I always said, ‘let me keep it for my daughter, maybe she would be interested’. I used to dream about it, but now the dream came back to life. I applied, and, thank God, I made it to Miss Universe!”
When Salah was announced as the winner, the first thought that crossed her mind was, “I want to have a crown that never falls.”
She said: “Being a queen is wonderful and fulfilling, but my ultimate purpose is to be the queen of hearts.”
Reflecting on her journey with vitiligo, Salah highlighted the power of living as an example. “I do not come every day and talk about vitiligo on my platform, but living my life fearlessly and unapologetically is a message to people,” she said.
“When someone comes across my profile and they see me living fearlessly, this is an inspiration. So, I do both. I like to go out and inspire, not only for people with vitiligo, but for all young girls and women.”
The model will now represent Egypt at the global Miss Universe competition, to be held in Mexico this year from Nov. 14-16. The competition will see contestants from more than 130 countries compete.
As Salah prepares for the event, she explained her approach to the journey ahead: “I have never tied my dreams to a goal or a target. I always tie it to a mission and a purpose. With goals, when they end, that is it, it ends. I have a mission and a purpose to leave this world better than I found it. I have a mission and a purpose to inspire others and overcome adversity.”
The model also urged fans to show their support early on, not just after a victory. “We have this habit of supporting people only once they’ve won. I want people to vote now, to support now, to give everything they have now, because I am representing my country and the region. It truly lifts our spirits,” she said.
