1 month ago
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In the heart of Hyderabad, India, among a constellation of delegates from more than 100 countries, Miss Jamaica World Tahje Bennett is not just wearing a sash; she’s carrying a story. A story of courage, purpose, and unshakable pride in the black, green, and gold.
For the poised and passionate 23-year-old, stepping onto the Miss World stage is far more than a personal milestone.
“Representing Jamaica on the global Miss World stage here in India is truly a dream come true,” Bennett told The Sunday Gleaner. “It’s an overwhelming mix of pride, gratitude, and deep responsibility.”
That pride is matched by an unwavering sense of purpose. Bennett, a firm believer in the power of advocacy, stands tall with her Fix Your Crown project – a movement born out of personal pain and powered by a vision for transformative change. Aimed at empowering women, particularly those who have been victims of gender-based violence, which continues to be a global issue, the initiative is as personal as it is powerful.
“I understand the devastating effects [abuse] can have [through my own experiences]. Fix Your Crown is my way of saying to women: You are strong. You are worthy. And you are not alone,” said Bennett.
She is currently in intense preparation mode for the Miss World competition, in which she has great hopes of walking away with this global title.
“My preparation for this level of competition has been intense mentally, physically, and emotionally. It has truly been a journey of growth. I’ve had to stay focused and grounded, learning to balance confidence with humility,” she admitted. “I’ve pushed my body through disciplined routines and long days to ensure I show up as my best self. This journey has not been easy, but it has prepared me, undoubtedly, for what is to come,” she added.
Bennett’s advocacy is more than a mere campaign. It is her mission.
“I want to be remembered as someone who used her platform to give a voice to the voiceless, to create safe spaces for healing and growth, and to champion reforms that make our world more just and equitable,” Bennett shared. “I aim to inspire others to believe in their own strength and potential, showing that no matter where you start, you can rise above your circumstances and make a difference.
Her commitment has not gone unnoticed.
“Tahje’s passion for advocacy, driven by her own personal experience, is what makes her an ideal candidate to represent Jamaica,” said Dahlia Harris, co-franchise holder for Miss Jamaica World.
“Globally, gender-based violence is of increasing concern, and her capacity to passionately engage with the issue motivates her to seek out solutions and become more informed on ways to address it. She has the kind of commitment and dedication required to sustain a positive impact. She is a beauty defined by purpose,” added Harris.
To ensure that Bennett was ready to take home this global crown, a team worked with the reigning queen to tweak all the necessary areas to perfection.
“We have an overall training programme. Depending on who is selected, we adjust to strengthen areas of focus. Our team comprises individuals who are experts in their respective fields, so she has done areas including but not limited to vocal training, physical fitness, skin care, make-up application, walk and poise, among others. She is already a strong public speaker, so we tweaked some areas of presentation,” Harris told The Sunday Gleaner.
For Harris, she hopes that the franchise becomes more impactful through the work of the contestants and hopes more women can benefit from the programmes.
“I hope that we become more impactful through the work of the contestants. We must find a way to sustain the projects so that our brand’s contribution to national development is even more meaningful. I also hope to expand our reach so more young women are able to benefit from our training and development programmes.”
Perhaps most powerful is Bennett’s hope to inspire young Jamaican girls. “I hope that every young Jamaican girl sees herself in me — not perfection but possibility,” she said. “I want her to know that where she comes from is not a limitation, but a source of strength. I want her to understand that confidence doesn’t come from having it all together, but from choosing to show up, even when it’s hard.”
The competition is being held in a culturally rich region of India this year and the Jamaican delegation is embracing every moment.
“We are excited to be in Hyderabad because of our shared history. There are [more than] 100 countries participating in the Miss World Finals, [so] to see our black, green and gold is heartwarming. Knowing that we’ve provided the opportunity for another young woman to realise her dreams is priceless,” Harris shared.
The 72nd edition of the Miss World pageant is being held at the HITEX Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad, Telangana, India, on May 31. Krystyna Pyszková of the Czech Republic will crown her successor at the conclusion of the event.
English (US) ·