A 46-year-old woman from Ecuador will be representing her country in the upcoming Miss Universe pageant. Yajaira Quizhpi, hailing from the Sierra region, is vying for the title of Miss Universe Ecuador. Alongside 24 other contestants, she will compete in the pageant finals in Machala, El Oro province, this Saturday. The winner of this national competition will go on to represent Ecuador at the Miss Universe competition in Mexico in September. Quizhpi’s participation makes her the oldest woman ever to compete in Ecuador’s Miss Universe franchise history.
“I am proud to be here. We have broken barriers and as women we can take a step forward without fear of what they will say,” she told CNN en Español in a video interview.
She was only able to pursue her dream after the Miss Universe organization revised its age requirements. Previously, contestants were limited to ages between 18 and 28. Starting in 2024, there will be no maximum age limit.
“The experience has been worth it. It has enriched me personally. My husband and my son have supported me. My husband was the person who encouraged me to register today and be part of this candidacy,” she added.
Quizhpi, a chemical engineer originally from Azogues, Cañar province, highlights the supportive atmosphere among fellow contestants. She emphasizes that determination and genuine friendship can conquer the fear of criticism. “They welcomed me warmly; I witnessed camaraderie, and we all learned from each other’s experiences, both positive and negative. I’m grateful to my colleagues, who have always shown me love. It’s been a valuable life lesson,” she expresses. Quizhpi isn’t the sole participant who would have been ineligible before the Miss Universe rule changes were implemented in 2023.
In a historic move spanning over 70 years, the franchise has approved the inclusion of married or divorced women, as well as those who are mothers or pregnant, for the first time. Among the 25 Miss Universe Ecuador candidates, seven are mothers: four are married, and the remaining three are divorced.
In Latin America, older beauty pageant contestants are gaining global attention. Alejandra Rodriguez, in her sixties, won Miss Buenos Aires, a first in Miss Universe-affiliated competitions. Despite not representing Argentina in Miss Universe, Rodriguez sees her participation as a sign of change. The Miss Universe organization, overseeing Miss USA, faces scrutiny after recent resignations. Allegations of mismanagement and toxicity have surfaced, raising concerns about mental health effects.
