Teenager makes beauty pageant history by wearing a hijab

As women continue to push the message that they are more than just their looks, the world of beauty pageants seems ever more controversial.

But 19-year-old Halima Aden set out to change that. Over the weekend, she became the first Muslim woman to compete in Miss Minnesota USA wearing a hijab.

Wearing the religious garment throughout, Halima changed into a burkini – an item which has recently been banned in a number of countries – for the famed swimwear round.

Halima told KARE-11 that she chose to remain comfortable throughout her first pageant, saying: “A lot of people will look at you and will fail to see your beauty because you’re not covered up and they’re not used to it.”

“Be who you are. It’s easy to feel like you have to blend in but it takes courage to live your life with conviction and embrace the person you are.”

Unfortunately, Halima didn’t win but did make it to the semi-finals; a real achievement for someone who refused to stick to the norm.

Social media went wild upon the news with people praising the teenager for staying true to herself.

Let’s hope that this pageant diversity continues.

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