Meet the women competing to be Miss Universe 2024

Albania: Franceska Rustem

Franceska Rustem, 19, is one of the youngest contestants featured in this year's Miss Universe competition.

Born in Durrës, Albania, she works as a model and television host. She's also outspoken against bullying across her social media platforms.

Angola: Nelma Ferreira

Nelma Ferreira, 26, works in company management and administration.

While she describes herself as being committed to volunteering and supporting social causes, Ferreira is particularly passionate about improving gender equality and reducing world hunger.

She also leads a project called É Kamba, which provides sexual and reproductive education to young women in Angola.

Argentina: Magalí Benejam

Magalí Benejam, 29, is a model who's walked in fashion shows, starred in advertisements, and appeared in magazines.

She's taken makeup, hairstyling, public speaking, and runway classes to compete in Miss Universe, and describes herself as a perfectionist.

Benejam is also a vegetarian and supporter of animal rights.

Armenia: Emma Avanesian

Emma Avanesian, 32, wears many hats. Now a mother and the founder of a modeling agency, she's previously worked as a singer, dancer, model, fitness instructor, and financier.

She dreams of working as an actor and cinematographer on Hollywood films and is passionate about guiding young women to success.

Aruba: Anouk Eman

Anouk Eman, 32, was close to achieving her dream of becoming an Olympic synchronized swimmer when she suddenly needed spinal surgery to manage severe scoliosis.

She told the Miss Universe organization that the 24 iron rods now installed in her back have transformed her into an "iron woman."

In her free time, she often volunteers with Red Cross Aruba.

Australia: Zoe Creed

Zoe Creed, 23, holds two jobs: model and owner of an online pilates training service.

She's especially passionate about advocating for women's health.

Inspired by her experience with endometriosis, she's now outspoken against women's concerns being dismissed and hopes to encourage others to stand up for themselves.

The Bahamas: Selvinique Wright

Selvinique Wright, 32, founded her organization, Women's Health Us First, after being diagnosed with uterine fibroids.

Through the platform, she aims to raise awareness about the condition and encourage women to take ownership of their health.

Bahrain: Shereen Ahmed

Shereen Ahmed, 30, was raised by a single mother and has now made it her mission to advocate for others. Her initiative, Hope Bahrain, aims to provide resources to moms in need and uplift their spirits.

She works as a journalist, television host, and social-media content creator.

Bangladesh: Aniqa Maisha Alam

Aniqa Maisha Alam, 32, holds many titles: mother, makeup artist, and women's empowerment advocate.

She got married seven years ago and welcomed her first child, a son, last year.

Belarus: Eleonora Kachalovskaya

Eleonora Kachalovskaya, 24, is passionate about sports, traveling, and advocating for children and teenagers with special needs.

She previously graduated from the Belarusian State University of Culture and Art.

Belgium: Kenza Ameloot

Kenza Ameloot, 22, is a business student and a professional model. But her biggest passions are helping children in need and furthering students' education.

In her spare time and on holidays, Ameloot often visits her mother's home country of Rwanda.

Belize: Halima Hoy

Halima Hoy, 30, has roots around the world. She was born to a Garifuna mother from Guatemala and a mestizo Muslim father, as she told the Miss Universe organization.

As for work, Hoy is a certified personal trainer. She also volunteers with Unicef Belize to raise awareness for children, the elderly, and others vulnerable to non-communicable diseases.

Bolivia: Juliana Barrientos

Juliana Barrientos, 27, holds the titles of biochemist and pharmacist. She's worked specifically on in vitro fertilization and is an advocate for women's empowerment

Her hobbies include playing piano and speaking multiple languages.

Bonaire: Ruby Pouchet

Ruby Pouchet, 29, works as a communications specialist and government official. Her biggest passion is protecting the environment, and she believes women can lead the fight for sustainability.

Pouchet is the first woman to represent Bonaire in the Miss Universe competition in 25 years.

Botswana: Thanolo Keutlwile

Thanolo Keutlwile, 28, is a doctor of women's health at the Princess Marina Hospital in Botswana. She previously graduated with degrees in medicine and surgery.

Her initiative during the Miss Universe competition is titled Diamond For Development. It highlights how her home country has used diamonds to its advantage and supports the industry's sustainable growth.

Brazil: Luana Cavalcante

Luana Cavalcante, 25, made history as the first married woman and mother to earn the Miss Universe Brazil title.

She works as a model and has one son, whom she hopes will one day be inspired by her Miss Universe journey.

British Virgin Islands: Deyounce Lowenfield

Deyounce Lowenfield, 20, is an entrepreneur who recently graduated with a business administration degree.

She's practiced yoga to prepare for her appearance in Miss Universe and aims to empower younger generations through her work and platform.

Bulgaria: Elena Vian

Elena Vian, 38, previously earned a master's degree in economics from the University of Bordeaux. She's also a mother and designs costumes for various stage performances in her spare time.

Vian describes herself as an animal rights activist and regularly shares photos of her travels on social media.

Cambodia: Davin Prasath

Davin Prasath, 33, spends much of her time volunteering and providing community service.

She's particularly passionate about empowering women and children to overcome poverty and educational barriers. Prasath started her initiative, Voice for Change - Tuk Chet Association, to speak for these groups and make an impact.

Cameroon: Noura Njikam

Noura Njikam, 25, has many passions, with art and culture among her top interests.

But she's also outspoken online about ending domestic violence and encouraging young people to use their voices and speak out against injustices.

Canada: Ashley Callingbull

Ashley Callingbull, 35, is a member of the Enoch Cree Nation and serves as a First Nations activist within her community.

This role has led her to give a speech at Harvard University and receive a United Nations Role Model award.

But her skills don't stop there. Callingbull is also a sports television host, model, and actor.

Cayman Islands: Raegan Rutty

Raegan Rutty, 22, made history in 2020 when she represented the Cayman Islands as a gymnast at the Olympic Games. She began the sport at age 4 and is also a fisherwoman.

She's also passionate about ending the stigma surrounding mental health.

Chile: Emilia Dides

Emilia Dides, 25, isn't new to competition. In 2019, she was crowned the winner of a famous Chilean singing contest and is still pursuing her music career.

Dides believes that music can greatly promote strong mental health and is eager to share the benefits of music therapy with the world.

China: Jia Qi

Jia Qi, 26, was formerly a sprint athlete, something she began when she joined the National Youth Athletics Team at age 10.

Health and fitness are important to Qi, who regularly shares her wellness tips on social media.

Colombia: Daniela Toloza Rocha

Daniela Toloza Rocha, 30, works in senior management and public relations and is also a fashion designer who focuses on inclusive garments.

She regularly posts about her outfits on Instagram and dresses in meaningful garments that honor women and her home country.

Costa Rica: Elena Hidalgo

Elena Hidalgo, 32, is a mother and model who advocates for gender equality.

She's also determined to prove that you can reach any dream you set out to achieve. Hidalgo is doing so herself by studying to earn a degree in nutrition.

Côte d'Ivoire: Marie-Emmanuelle Diamala