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Miss Universe 2023 Winner Pays Tribute to Mary Wollstonecraft
In a historic moment at the 72nd Miss Universe pageant in San Salvador, El Salvador, Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua was crowned as the winner, marking the first-ever victory for Nicaragua in the competition. Palacios, who impressed with her charisma, elegant evening gown, and articulate responses, clinched the crown with a powerful and unexpected mention of Mary Wollstonecraft during the final Q&A round.
A Landmark Achievement for Nicaragua
Miss Nicaragua Sheynnis Palacios made headlines not just for her victory but also for breaking new ground for her country. This win marked Nicaragua’s first-ever triumph in the Miss Universe competition and secured a spot for the nation in the Top 5 finalists for the first time. Palacios’s winning speech played a pivotal role in this achievement.
The Unpredictable Q&A Round
During the final Q&A round, where the Top 3 contestants from Thailand, Australia, and Nicaragua were posed the question, “If you could live one year in another woman’s shoes, who would you choose and why?” Palacios stood out with her unexpected and powerful choice—Mary Wollstonecraft. While Miss Thailand and Miss Australia honored Malala Yousafzai and their respective mothers, Palacios credited Wollstonecraft for opening doors and providing opportunities for women.
Mary Wollstonecraft: A Feminist Pioneer
Mary Wollstonecraft, born on April 27, 1759, in London, United Kingdom, lived a relatively short life but left an enduring legacy. Known for her contributions to feminist philosophy and advocacy for women’s rights, Wollstonecraft’s ideas laid the groundwork for modern feminism. She challenged societal norms, advocating for equal educational opportunities for women and men to enable their meaningful contributions to society.
“A Vindication of the Rights of Woman”
Wollstonecraft’s influential work, “A Vindication of the Rights of Woman,” published in 1792, argued for the equal education of women, emphasizing that their apparent inferiority was a result of a lack of education. Despite her life’s brevity, Wollstonecraft’s impact on feminist thought and the quest for gender equality resonates through the ages.
Palacios’s Tribute and a Resounding Applause
Sheynnis Palacios’s unexpected tribute to Mary Wollstonecraft resonated with the audience, resulting in a resounding applause that echoed the acknowledgment of the ‘Mother of feminism.’ By acknowledging Wollstonecraft’s pioneering contributions, Palacios used the Miss Universe platform to advocate for a future where women courageously push the limits of possibilities.
In honoring Mary Wollstonecraft, Sheynnis Palacios not only secured her own victory but also celebrated the legacy of a woman who paved the way for future generations. The Miss Universe 2023 finale became a memorable occasion that highlighted the enduring influence of feminist ideals.
