Zozibini Tunzi Champions Women’s Empowerment as Key Driver for Global Progress
Former Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi is leveraging her global platform to accelerate gender equality, arguing that women’s advancement creates ripple effects that benefit entire societies. As she prepares to host South Africa’s EmpoweringHER 2025 conference this November, Tunzi brings both celebrity influence and substantive advocacy to the forefront of women’s empowerment conversations.
The Economic Imperative of Gender Equality
Tunzi’s advocacy is grounded in stark economic realities. “The World Economic Forum reports that at the current rate, it will take approximately 123 years to achieve global gender equality,” she notes with concern. “To that I say let’s start bridging that gap today. There is no time to waste. We all have a part to play.”
This statistic underscores what development economists have long argued: that gender inequality represents not just a moral failure but a significant economic inefficiency. Multiple studies from institutions like the World Bank and IMF confirm that closing gender gaps in workforce participation could boost GDP growth substantially across both developed and developing economies.
From Symbolic Role to Substantive Platform
Tunzi’s journey from Miss Universe titleholder to empowerment advocate reflects a strategic evolution of her influence. Rather than treating her platform as merely ceremonial, she approaches her role as master of ceremonies for EmpoweringHER 2025 with intentionality.
“The biggest part of my job will be to mirror the conversations and the energy in the room,” she explains. “I like to share anecdotes wherever I can, adding to the ongoing dialogue. I always hope that my presence inspires someone, especially young women.”
The Visibility-Value Connection
For Tunzi, representation serves as a critical catalyst for change. “Visibility, awareness, and tangible change are important when it comes to uplifting women,” she asserts. “The more we see women rise and equip them with the tools they need to reach the finish line, the closer we get to the dream of a globally empowered woman.”
This perspective aligns with research on role model effects in social psychology, which demonstrates that visible success stories can significantly impact aspirations and achievement, particularly among underrepresented groups.
Intergenerational Impact and Sustainable Change
Tunzi emphasizes that empowerment creates self-perpetuating cycles of progress. “I understand the responsibility of my platform,” she reflects. “When they take responsibility for furthering those conversations and equipping themselves with the right knowledge, it creates a beautiful ripple effect. They, too, can pass the baton to the next generation.”
Her vision extends beyond individual achievement to systemic transformation. “A world where a woman is empowered means that everybody is empowered,” she states, capturing the interconnected nature of social progress.
The Practical Path Forward
Rather than treating empowerment as abstract concept, Tunzi focuses on actionable steps. “Sometimes, all it takes to ignite a spark inside somebody is a word from a leader and being in the right room,” she observes. “I hope that everyone who attends finds that word and that the energy fuels them into becoming the most empowered versions of themselves.”
As global institutions struggle to accelerate progress toward gender equality targets, voices like Tunzi’s provide both the inspiration and practical framework needed to maintain momentum. Her approach demonstrates how public figures can translate platform into purpose, creating spaces where empowerment becomes both individual journey and collective achievement.
This report is based on original reporting from The Citizen.