8 OCTOBER2023INFOCUSThe 72nd Miss Universe competition, slated for 2023, is expected to be a historic event thanks to the participation of two exceptional transwoman candidates, Marina Machete representing Miss Portugal and Rikkie Kollé representing Miss Netherlands. These remarkable women are fighting for the coveted Miss Universe title and have already left an indelible mark on the pageant business.Marina Machete, Miss Portugal, has been open about the challenges she has faced as a transgender woman. She attributes a large part of her success and tenacity to her family's unwavering support. In a moving video broadcast on the Portuguese pageant's official YouTube channel, Marina underlines the triumph of love over ignorance in her journey as a transwoman.Miss Netherlands Rikkie Kollé also offers an inspiring story of perseverance. When asked to characterize herself, Miss Universe chose the word "victory" to symbolize her personal struggles as a transgender person.Her journey from overcoming hardships as a young boy to becoming a strong and confident transwoman has inspired many people. In a poignant video message, Rikkie advocates cooperation and self-empowerment, encouraging people not to give up on their dreams.The Miss Universe Organization has been committed to diversity since 2012, allowing trans women to compete. They have gradually relaxed the restrictions on applicants who are divorced, pregnant, or have children, welcoming diversity.The organization plans to eliminate age limitations in 2024, enabling adult women from all across the world to compete. This vow reflects the organization's dedication to supporting diversity and tolerance, resulting in a more varied and inclusive Miss Universe competition than ever before. On October 11, the White House hosted a discussion titled "Girls Leading Change" to commemorate International Day of the Girl. Gitanjali Rao, a remarkable Indian-American teenage inventor, was honoured with 14 other young women leaders from throughout the country who have made important contributions to their communities.The ceremony was presided over by Jill Biden, the First Lady of the United States, who honoured these exceptional individuals for their efforts. Gitanjali Rao, a 17-year-old scientist, has gained recognition for her game-changing invention, 'Tethys.'This device detects lead compounds in water using carbon nanotubes and then delivers water quality data to a smartphone app, grading it as 'safe', ''slightly contaminated,' or 'critical.' Her achievements have earned her several prizes, including the EPA Presidential Award and the Discovery Education/3M title of America's Top Young Scientist.Gitanjali Rao, in addition to her incredible creation, published a book titled 'Young Innovator's Guide to STEM,' which is utilized as a curriculum in chosen schools throughout the world. Her unwavering commitment to STEM education has helped over 80,000 elementary, middle, and high school students.Gitanjali Rao, Time Magazine's inaugural Kid of the Year in 2020, not only continues to thrive as a scientist and inventor, but she also focuses on expanding her STEM education initiative. This freshman at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology was also named to Forbes' list of 30 Under 30 achievers.At the White House event, First Lady Jill Biden highlighted the extraordinary achievements of these young women leaders, emphasizing their potential and the power of their innovation, fortitude, and optimism to improve the country.She advised others to look for inspiration in their own accomplishments and efforts. The gathering acted as a memorial to these remarkable young women's efforts to create a brighter future in their communities and beyond. IN A FIRST MISS UNIVERSE 2023 WELCOMES TRANSWOMAN PARTICIPANTSGITANJALI RAO RECEIVES FIRST LADY'S HONORS FOR SCIENTIFIC INNOVATIONSINFOCUS
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