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Fatima Bosch is offering candid advice to women considering a future in pageantry, sharing that it is not a path she would recommend to everyone.
Speaking at the Mujeres que Transforman forum in Santa Tecla, El Salvador, Bosch responded to a question from an audience member who raised concerns about the lack of space and confidence many women feel when thinking about entering pageants such as Miss El Salvador. The attendee asked Bosch to share a message that could encourage more women to participate.
In a video shared online, Bosch acknowledged the question but gave an unexpected answer. She said she would not advise just anyone to join a beauty pageant. She explained that her own journey into pageantry was not entirely intentional and expressed her belief that her position was part of a larger purpose.
Bosch, who was crowned at the Miss Universe 2025 competition in November, emphasized that the value of the platform depends on how it is used. She encouraged women to think beyond the title and instead focus on meaningful causes. According to her, those who have a clear project or mission they want to highlight may find pageantry to be a useful tool to amplify their impact.
Rather than promoting pageants as a universal opportunity, she advised aspiring contestants to first identify a purpose that contributes positively to society. She noted that the experience of holding the Miss Universe title has been challenging, especially as someone who does not fit traditional expectations often associated with pageant winners. She described the role as demanding and, at times, intimidating.
Bosch also encouraged women to consider entering pageants if their goal is to challenge established norms and redefine what representation looks like. She said that those who want to show that perfection is not a requirement, and who aim to create meaningful change, should feel empowered to pursue that path.
Her rise to the crown was not without controversy. During a pre pageant event in Thailand, Bosch was involved in a tense exchange with pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil. The disagreement reportedly began over expectations placed on contestants and escalated when Bosch defended herself against criticism. She asserted
her right to be heard and called for respect, prompting her to leave the room along with several other contestants.
The incident drew attention online, and Itsaragrisil later issued a public apology, acknowledging that some participants may have felt uncomfortable.
