Salah’s success inspires hope for broader cultural acceptance
Egyptian model and makeup artist Logina Salah has made headlines as the newly crowned Miss Universe Egypt 2024, marking a significant step forward in the journey toward greater inclusivity in the pageant world. At 34, Salah, a single mother, body positivity advocate, and champion for those living with vitiligo, overcame 12 other finalists at the prestigious event in Cairo.
Reflecting on her win, Salah expressed her excitement about the changes in pageant rules, which previously barred women above 30 and mothers from competing. “I feel like the world is getting closer to including everybody,” she said. “I never liked the idea of ‘moms pageantry’ or labeling women in different ways. When those restrictions were lifted in 2023, I saw it as the perfect opportunity to finally chase a dream I had almost given up on.”
Salah, who is based in Dubai, had once set her pageantry dreams aside, thinking they might be better suited for her daughter. But the rule changes reignited her passion. “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 her name was called as the winner, Salah’s first thought was, “I want to have a crown that never falls.” But beyond the crown, her vision is deeper: “Being a queen is wonderful and fulfilling, but my ultimate purpose is to be the queen of hearts.”
Her journey with vitiligo has been a key part of her story. While she doesn’t speak about her skin condition every day, she believes living authentically sends a powerful message. “I don’t need to talk about vitiligo on my platform daily. By living my life fearlessly and unapologetically, I’m showing people that it’s possible to overcome adversity. This is an inspiration for everyone, not just those with vitiligo, but for young girls and women everywhere.”
Now preparing to represent Egypt at the Miss Universe competition in Mexico, which will take place from November 14-16, Salah shared her mindset heading into the global event. “I’ve never tied my dreams to a specific goal or target. For me, it’s always about a mission and purpose. Goals end, but a mission continues. My purpose is to leave the world better than I found it, to inspire others, and to show that overcoming obstacles is possible.”
Salah also encouraged her fans to show their support early in her journey, not just after she wins. “We have this habit of celebrating people only after they succeed. I want people to vote now, support now, and give everything they have now. I’m representing my country and my region, and that early support really lifts our spirits.”
With her crown in hand and her heart set on a mission, Logina Salah is ready to make a lasting impact on the world stage.
