Hamdia Ahmed, a Somalia born woman who was born in the midst of a civil war and was raised in a refugee camp made a history this week by being the first woman to compete in the Miss Maine pageant while wearing a hijab.
“I competed in Miss Maine as the first Muslim girl with a Hijab. I slayed my hijab,” the model wrote on Twitter.
Before her, Halima Aden was the first woman to compete in Miss Minnesota wearing a hijab, then went on to star in a Yeezy fashion presentation and Rihanna’s campaign for Fenty Beauty.
In the Miss Maine contest, Hamdia wore a gold long-sleeve gown with a light pink hijab and walked the runway. She wore a pink and black burkini in the swimsuit portion of the contest.
Hamdia Ahmed wore a pink and black burkini in the swimsuit portion of the contest
According to Metro, Hamdia didn’t win, but she’s still ecstatic about taking part and being the first Muslim woman to compete in the Miss Maine pageant – and she’s hopeful for the future.
On Instagram, Hamdia explained that she’s dedicated to increasing the diversity of those shown in mainstream media.
‘I was born in the middle of a civil war, and raised in a refugee camp,’ Hamdia wrote.
‘I want to inspire girls to feel confident, beautiful and to chase their dreams no matter where you’re from.
‘I have always wanted to become a model since I was a little girl, and I hope to get signed soon.
