LAS VEGAS – A South African woman who helps train women in self-defense was crowned Miss Universe 2017 at the pageant held in Las Vegas on Sunday.
Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, 22, who unleashed a big smile when she won, hails from Western Cape Province and recently earned a business management degree from North-West University.
Let’s welcome #MissUniverse 2017 Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters from South Africa to the sisterhood! ? pic.twitter.com/Sw0SDQZjOJ
— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) November 27, 2017
She beat out first runner-up Miss Colombia Laura González and second runner-up Miss Jamaica Davina Bennett for the crown.
Her passion for self-defense was reinforced when she was hijacked and held at gunpoint about a month after winning her title as Miss South Africa, she said in a video on the Miss Universe website.
During the competition’s Q&A portion, the newly crowned Miss Universe was asked about the most important issue she thought was facing women in the workplace.
“In some places, women get paid 75% of what men earn for doing the same job, working the same hours — and I do not believe that this is right,” she said. “I think we should have equal work for equal pay for women all over the world.”
Relive our new #MissUniverse‘s answer to the Final Word. pic.twitter.com/czO8vgSiuU
— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) November 27, 2017
Miss Colombia and Miss Jamaica also impressed the judges during the Q&A segment, answering questions on how to talk to children about terrorism and sexual harassment, respectively.
“Sexual harassment is a form of abuse and no abuse should be tolerated whether in the workplace or in society,” Bennett said. “I believe that men and women should come together and be professional.”
The competition’s top 13 finalists were Thailand, Sri Lanka, Ghana, Spain, Ireland, Croatia, Great Britain, USA, Brazil, Canada, Philippines, Venezuela and China.
The international beauty pageant, which dates back to 1952, was owned by Donald Trump until he sold it in 2015.
It is held in 190 countries worldwide and 92 women competed in this year’s final.
Along with the title, Nel-Peters earned a year-long salary, a luxury apartment in New York City for the duration of her reign and more prizes.
