Muna Jama
Muna Jama, from London, participated in the Miss Universe Great Britain pageant last month and opted to wear a kaftan, rather than the standard bikini.
“I am Muslim, I am British and I am proud. I practice my religion the best way I know how,” Jama told Teen Vogue. “I’ve never worn a bikini and I have no intentions to either. It was important to me to be understood.”
The 27-year-old is the co-founder of Cloudless Research, a startup that works to lower illegal migration and child abuse in East Africa. She was encouraged to apply for the pageant by her grandmother but later dropped out when she felt uncomfortable about wearing a bikini. She decided to re-apply after a trip to Somaliland, where she helped in the drought relief efforts, hoping to raise awareness for the cause.
This time though, she campaigned to be able to cover up during the swimwear category, so as not to compromise on her beliefs. “I had no idea I was going to inspire anyone,” she said. “I just wanted to stay true to myself and not do anything that I don’t do outside my normal life; to pretend, to be someone I’m not.”
In a victory for women’s right to wear what they want - the pageant accepted Jama’s request and she was able to wow the audience in a beautiful kaftan. Although she didn’t win, Jama has become an inspiration for other young Muslim girls who had never seen themselves represented in beauty pageants.
“It takes bravery, emotional resilience and most importantly surrounding yourself with strong minded people who are prepared to make great sacrifices to welcome permanent and positive change,” she wrote in an Instagram post after the contest. “This moment has proved that I am capable of almost anything I set my mind to and limitations is a status waiting to be changed. I thank everyone who stood beside me and believed in my vision.”
Jama now joins the likes of 19-year-old Hamila Aden, a Somali American who wore a burkini at a US beauty pageant last year. Aden has gone on to model for global fashion houses and magazines, showing the world that it’s high-time Muslim women were recognized in the fashion industry.
