Somalia debuted its participation at Miss World in 2021 and although they have just competed at the coveted international pageant twice, Somalia has managed to create an impact at Miss World. Keeping the country’s traditions and being respectful of their attires, the delegates have walked the stage in their hijabs, creating history as the first hijabi contestants to compete at Miss World.

In 2021, Khadija Omar debuted Somalia’s participation at Miss World. She also became the first hijabi contestant to represent her country at the international platform. She competed at 20 years of age at Miss World, placing in the Top 13 with her stellar performance.

Standing 5feet 6inches tall, Khadija is a psychology major, a makeup artist and an entrepreneur who owns a makeup brand. Born in Kenya in Hagardera refugee camp, her family immigrated to Canada when she was 9-year-old. This also inspired her to advocate for climate crisis in Somalia. With her unique representation of black hijabi women, her dedication towards her goals and her stunning beauty, Khadija won a Top 13 placement for Somalia at the finale of 70th Miss World held at the Coca-Cola Music Hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico on 16th March 2022.

At the recently held 71st Miss World, Bahja Mohamoud became the second contestant to represent Somalia at such as esteemed platform. She is also the first Somali girl from the US to represent Somalia in an international pageant. With her stellar performance, Bahja placed in the Top 40 at the end of the event finale.

“Being a Miss has taught me not just about the impact & responsibility we have in our communities, but also that the discipline and standards we uphold ourselves to, continues beyond our reign & in our daily lives”, Bahja quoted on her outstanding performance at Miss World.

While Somalia has just started its journey at Miss World platform, the country has started to prove its mettle. The country will surely vie to win the Miss World crown in the coming years with their strong and determined beauty queens.