Beatrice Njoya, who on Thursday “proudly” became the oldest contestant to be crowned Miss Universe Malta at the age of 39 urged women not to allow age dictate what they can or cannot do in life. “When you reach a certain age society wants to tell you what to wear and how to behave. We must break that barrier, within reason," the Cameroon-born woman told "If something is your dream, you can still find time for it and be a good mum or a good wife.
I am 39 and a mother of three. "Motherhood - or being married - should never stop you from following your dreams,” she told over the phone hours after winning the title. A domestic abuse survivor, Beatrice did not wish to share too many details out of respect for other people involved in her case.
On Thursday night Beatrice was crowned Miss Universe Malta 2024. She will now represent Malta at the 73rd Miss Universe competition in November in Mexico. She will be the oldest contestant in this year's edition of the international event.
This year Miss Universe removed the age limit for contestants, and, for the first time, opened the competition to women aged over 29. As the news was shared on social media many commented about her “stunning” looks and words of praise included the recognition of the beauty of older women in an industry that often celebrates younger people. Some questioned why a non-Maltese woman could represent Malta in the contest.
Alan Darmanin, national director of Miss Universe Malta, explained that, accord.