Miss Universe 2022, a historic event held in El Salvador, saw a mental health advocate, Miss Palacios, crowned as the winner. The 23-year-old communicologist expressed her dedication to promoting mental health after personally experiencing debilitating bouts of anxiety. Competing against 84 other women in the 72nd edition of the pageant, Miss Palacios impressed the judges and the audience with her intelligence and poise.
The first runner-up title went to Miss Thailand, Anntonia Porsild, while Miss Australia, Moraya Wilson, secured the second runner-up position. The event showcased the talent and beauty of women from around the world, but Miss Palacios’ inspiring journey and commitment to mental health resonated with the judges.
During the question and answer segment, Miss Palacios made a powerful statement when asked whose shoes she would like to spend a year in. She chose Mary Wollstonecraft, an 18th-century English writer and philosopher known for advocating women’s rights and being a pioneer of feminism. Miss Palacios expressed her desire to work towards closing the gender wage gap, allowing women to pursue careers in any field.
El Salvador last hosted the Miss Universe pageant in 1975, making this year’s event a significant opportunity for the country to showcase the positive changes achieved under President Nayib Bukele’s administration. President Bukele highlighted the improvements in the country’s safety and gratefully acknowledged the pageant’s role in promoting El Salvador’s rebirth.
However, President Bukele’s tenure has not been without controversy. While praised for his firm stance against gangs, he has faced international criticism for undermining checks and balances on his power and disregarding human rights. Since the declaration of a state of emergency in response to a surge in gang violence in March 2022, more than 72,000 individuals have been arrested without due process. Despite these concerns, President Bukele is running for reelection, buoyed by his popularity among the public.
The Miss Universe pageant in El Salvador provided a platform for women to showcase their talents and advocate for meaningful causes. Miss Palacios’ victory as a mental health advocate sends a powerful message about the importance of addressing mental health issues globally. As the world celebrates this historic event, it also raises questions about the balance between achievements on the global stage and the state of democracy and human rights in the host country.
