Zimbabwe to launch first-ever Mrs Universe Pageant

Zimbabwe is set to make history this May with the launch of its inaugural Mrs Universe Zimbabwe pageant, a landmark development that expands the country's beauty and advocacy landscape beyond traditional platforms such as Miss World Zimbabwe and Miss Universe Zimbabwe.

The national pageant, scheduled for May 7, is licensed and directed by reigning Mrs Universe Africa, Sibonelo Khuphe, who says the initiative represents a shift away from conventional beauty contests towards a platform anchored in purpose, advocacy and social impact.

"This platform goes far beyond physical beauty," Khuphe said.
"It focuses on social responsibility, advocacy and creating positive community impact rather than traditional modelling standards."

Mrs Universe is an annual international competition open to married, divorced or widowed women aged between 28 and 50. The pageant promotes inclusivity by welcoming women of all body types, while celebrating maturity, leadership, achievement and purpose alongside beauty.

Contestants are encouraged to champion causes aligned with women's empowerment and social development.

"Beauty is no longer much of a prerequisite, although it is a beauty pageant," Khuphe said.
"What matters is that the advocacy you believe in aligns with the Mrs Universe advocacy, which speaks strongly to issues such as gender-based violence."

Khuphe said Zimbabwe had never previously participated in the Mrs Universe pageant due to the absence of a national licence holder. Her own participation at Mrs Universe Africa proved to be the catalyst for bringing the platform home.

"I was privileged to participate at Mrs Universe Africa under the Africa banner," she said.
"That experience motivated me to take the bold step of introducing the pageant back home."

In 2025, Khuphe acquired the national licence after identifying a gap in Zimbabwe's pageantry space for women who do not meet the eligibility criteria for most mainstream contests.

"When I acquired the licence, I knew it would make a significant difference for women who do not qualify for most pageants," she said.

For years, Zimbabwe's pageant industry has been dominated by "Miss" platforms that largely emphasise youth, glamour and global representation. In contrast, "Mrs" pageants have remained underdeveloped and less visible, despite their role in celebrating diversity, resilience and women's lived experiences beyond early adulthood.

The launch of Mrs Universe Zimbabwe seeks to change that narrative. The winner of the inaugural edition will represent Zimbabwe for the first time at the Mrs Universe International Pageant, scheduled for October in Botswana.

"Lucky for us, Mrs Universe International will be hosted in Africa, right here in Botswana," Khuphe said.
"We are confident that we will be able to take our participant there."

The current Mrs Universe titleholder is India's Sherry Singh, who is expected to crown her successor at the international finals.

Khuphe said hosting the national pageant in May allows sufficient time for preparations ahead of the global competition, including the development of national costumes.

"We should have enough time to prepare properly, including our national costumes, which are crucial in showcasing what Zimbabwe is all about," she said.

She also stressed the organisers' commitment to professionalism, transparency and accountability, particularly regarding prize-giving.

"We have been engaging several organisations that are excited to fund a platform supporting women who had previously parked their dreams and are now ready to realise them," Khuphe said.

The introduction of Mrs Universe Zimbabwe marks a significant shift towards inclusive pageantry in the country, recognising accomplished women as leaders, advocates and agents of change. Beyond crowns and sashes, the platform aims to amplify women's voices, promote meaningful causes and demonstrate that purpose, impact and leadership are timeless.