On August 10, 2025, the vibrant city of Jaipur, India, hosted the grand finale of the Universal Woman 2025 pageant. Among the 38 contestants from around the world, Zimbabwe’s own Shelly Bent emerged as a standout, securing a spot in the Top 25 and earning accolades that highlighted her multifaceted talents and unwavering commitment to advocacy.
The Universal Woman pageant is renowned for celebrating not just beauty, but also the intellect, talent, and social commitment of women globally. Shelly Bent embodied these ideals, captivating audiences and judges alike with her grace and dedication.
Achievements and Recognitions
Shelly’s journey in the competition was marked by several notable accomplishments:
– Top 25 Finalist: Demonstrating her poise and presence on the international stage.
– Winner of the Influencer Award: Recognizing her impactful presence and engagement on social media platforms.
– Winner of the Punctuality Award: Highlighting her professionalism and commitment throughout the event.
– Top 20 in Social Media, Influencer, and Social Project Categories: Showcasing her versatility and dedication to various facets of the competition.
– Top 12 in Talent: Delivering a heartfelt performance dedicated to mental health and substance abuse awareness.
-Top 17 in Voice (UN Sustainable Development Goals): Reflecting her advocacy for global initiatives and sustainable development.
A Voice for Mental Health Advocacy
Beyond the pageant, Shelly has been a steadfast advocate for mental health and substance abuse awareness. Her dedication to these causes was evident in her performances and projects during the competition, resonating with many and bringing attention to critical issues affecting communities worldwide.
In an official statement following the pageant, Shelly expressed her gratitude and reaffirmed her commitment to her advocacy work:
“To the people of Zimbabwe, I stand before you today with pride and gratitude. Although I didn’t win the crown, being on that stage was an honour, and I’m humbled to have represented our great Nation. I will continue being a Queen for Zimbabwe as my heart is for my community. A crown does not define my heart. My legacy will continue with my head held high for Zimbabwe.”
The Universal Woman 2025 title was awarded to Ivana Carolina Irizarry of Puerto Rico, with the following contestants completing the top five:
Р1st Runner-Up : Iris Migu̩lez Medina (Spain)
– 2nd Runner-Up: Ismelys Velásquez (Venezuela)
– 3rd Runner-Up : Katheryne López España (Ecuador)
– 4th Runner-Up: Rocicleide Pankov (Brazil)
While the crown went elsewhere, Shelly Bent’s performance and advocacy left an indelible mark on the pageant and highlighted the strength and resilience of Zimbabwean women on the global stage.
