A Historic First in Miss Universe History For the first time in the 71-year history of Miss Universe, the competition welcomed a plus-sized contestant, and her presence was nothing short of revolutionary. Jane Dipika Garrett, Miss Nepal 2023, broke barriers and redefined traditional beauty standards by stepping onto the world stage with confidence, grace, and a powerful message.
Her participation ignited conversations across the globe, with some praising her for challenging outdated norms, while others criticized her. Yet, despite the mixed reactions, Jane stood her ground, proving that beauty is about more than size—it’s about strength, resilience, and self-love.
Video: Meet Jane Garrett from Nepal, the first plus-sized candidate to compete in the Miss Universe pageant
Confidence That Stunned the World Jane walked onto the Miss Universe stage radiating self-assurance and grace. She admitted she was surprised by the overwhelming applause she received. “I wasn’t expecting anything,” she shared. “I just wanted to represent my country and all women around the world.”
For someone who once struggled with low self-esteem, her participation in the pageant became a defining moment. The positive response she received reinforced her belief that beauty comes in all forms, and that she had every right to be on that stage.
Facing Cruelty with Courage While Jane received an outpouring of support from many, she also faced harsh criticism and online bullying. Some people posted cruel comments about her weight, telling her to “go to the gym” or calling her names like “whale.”
But rather than letting negativity break her spirit, Jane responded with courage. “These people don’t even know my story,” she said. “They don’t know what I’ve been through.”
Living with PCOS: The Truth Behind Her Body’s Changes Jane revealed that she has polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder that affects millions of women worldwide. PCOS can cause weight gain, hormonal imbalances, acne, and irregular menstrual cycles.
She openly spoke about how her condition contributed to her weight fluctuations, making it even more difficult to meet traditional beauty standards. “It affected my mental health and self-esteem, making me feel like I wasn’t good enough,” she admitted.
Video: Contestant No. 1027 – Jane Dipika Garrett
Her honesty about PCOS helped spark conversations about body positivity and the challenges many women face, proving that health isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Shifting the Narrative in Beauty Pageants For decades, Miss Universe contestants fit a narrow mold—tall, thin, and conventionally “perfect.” Jane’s participation marked a historic shift, proving that confidence and individuality matter more than conforming to unrealistic beauty ideals.
By stepping on that stage, she inspired women across the world to embrace their uniqueness. Her presence was a powerful statement that the world is ready for a new era—one where all body types are celebrated.
The Future of Inclusive Beauty Jane Dipika Garrett’s journey in Miss Universe is more than just a personal victory—it’s a win for body diversity. She has opened doors for future contestants who don’t fit society’s outdated definitions of beauty.
Her story reminds us that beauty is about confidence, authenticity, and the courage to love yourself unapologetically. No matter what others say, Jane has already made history—and the world is watching as she continues to break barriers.