Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters

I was always interested in politics and I had great leadership skills from a young age.

— Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters

A woman should be allowed to be whoever and whatever she wants to be and she should be respected for that.

— Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters

I'd love to meet Thuli Madonsela, as she is such a powerful and dynamic woman.

— Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters

There are so many girls in school who don't know about the opportunities out there. As a graduate, I only realised things…

— Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters

My hope is that Unbreakable will inspire women to believe in themselves, to value themselves and to know that asking for help…

— Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters

Our nation is comprised of many different backgrounds and cultures, one of the many things that makes me immensely proud to be…

— Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters

Crime against the vulnerable individuals of society is a worldwide problem and as women, we need to know how to defend ourselves…

— Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters

Becoming Miss Universe made me realize that women worldwide face the same challenges daily, such as various forms of violence and crime,…

— Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters

I grew up in Sedgefield, which is in the heart of the area along the Garden Route that has been ravaged by…

— Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters

HIV/AIDS is a very big problem in my country South Africa, so I hope to stand as an advocate for that.

— Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters

As a young girl, I would watch the Miss South Africa competition wishing with all my heart that one day I, too,…

— Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters

When you are yourself, there is no wrong and there is no right, because being authentic and true to who you are…

— Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters

In some places, women get paid 75 percent of what men earn for doing the same job, working the same hours, and…

— Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters

My half-sister was born without a cerebellum and is completely disabled. She is my biggest motivator and inspiration, because her situation makes…

— Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters

Being a global ambassador is as much a responsibility as it is an honour.

— Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters

And when I won Miss Universe, I got a global platform, which gave me a louder voice to be able to reach…

— Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters

I had to go to the other side of the world to reach my dreams; it is possible.

— Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters

I admire woman like Marissa Mayer, the first female engineer and then CEO of Yahoo. Women who don't only strive to be…

— Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters

Meeting people from different countries makes you realise that everyone around the world has the same needs and aspirations.

— Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters

My hair is an important part of who I am and if my hair is healthy and looks great, I feel confident.

— Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters

I love to experience a new country's culture and history in a fun and memorable way.

— Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters

Just as with the Miss South Africa platform, I understand the responsibility of being Miss Universe and the impact it has on…

— Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters

I want to be remembered as a Miss Universe who overcame her fears and helped other women overcome theirs.

— Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters

Just like our bodies need rest, so does our hair. I put a hair mask on twice a month and walk around…

— Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters

As Miss Universe, you have to be confident in who you are. Miss Universe has to overcome her fears and teach others…

— Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters