Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2025 Embraces Diversity with Inclusion of Single Mothers and Married Women

This year’s Miss Universe Zimbabwe (MUZ) pageant is making history by boldly breaking away from tradition. For the first time, the top 20 finalists include single mothers, married women, and returning beauty queens—a landmark move that signals a transformative shift in the local beauty industry.

This progressive step reflects a broader global trend of inclusivity in pageantry, and Zimbabwe is proudly joining that wave. Among the finalists are women who have not only made strides in modelling but have also navigated the complexities of marriage and motherhood, making them powerful symbols of resilience and empowerment.

Notable married contestants include Chiedza Mhosva from Harare and Onesimo Nkomo from Bulawayo, both of whom are yet to have children. Joining them is 39-year-old Hazel Kurwakumire, a single mother of three from Bulawayo. Their presence in the competition is more than symbolic—it represents a significant milestone in dismantling outdated standards and redefining beauty on Zimbabwean terms.

Also in the spotlight are returning titleholders who have already made their mark in the industry. Chiedza Mhosva, Miss World Zimbabwe 2017; Annie Grace Mutambu, Miss Zimbabwe 2015; and Charlotte Muziri, Miss Zimbabwe International 2023, are among those vying once again for the crown. Their decision to return highlights the prestige of the MUZ platform and its potential to empower women beyond the conventional path.

The MUZ national director, Tendai Hunda, expressed her enthusiasm about this year’s contestants. “We were overwhelmed by the diversity and calibre of applicants. Having married women, single mothers, and former queens in one competition is a testament to how much pageantry has evolved,” she noted.

This evolution is mirrored globally. In the 2024 Miss Universe pageant in Mexico, 14 mothers were among 125 international delegates. Standout participants included Beatrice Njoya of Malta and Ileana Marquez Pedroza of Venezuela, both single mothers who captured hearts worldwide. Davin Prasath, Miss Universe Cambodia 2024, made history as both a mother and a wife on the global stage.

The Miss Universe organisation officially broadened its eligibility rules in 2023, allowing mothers, married, and divorced women to compete. This inclusive approach underscores a commitment to celebrating all forms of womanhood. “Women should have autonomy over their lives. No personal circumstance should hinder their path to success,” the organisation declared.

Camila Avella, Miss Universe Colombia 2023, became the first married contestant with a child to finish in the top five—proving that family life and ambition can go hand in hand.

The excitement around MUZ 2025 is growing as the public votes for their top 12. Finalists will be announced at the MUZ Charity Run ahead of the grand finale, set for May 17 at the Harare Hippodrome. The winner will go on to represent Zimbabwe at the Miss Universe competition in Thailand.

With such a dynamic mix of ages, life experiences, and aspirations, this year’s MUZ pageant promises to be a celebration of empowerment, elegance, and evolution. As the crown awaits, Zimbabwe watches with pride, ready to cheer on the woman who will carry the nation’s banner to the world stage—regardless of her title at home.