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Through her confidence, Roma Riaz redefined what it means to be beautiful in South Asia and showing the world that true beauty comes from self-respect, and embracing one’s roots
Roma Riaz expressed pride in her identity, urging South Asian women to embrace confidence and authenticity over conformity. (Instagram/@romariaz_official)
In South Asia, traditional notions of beauty have long favoured fair skin, slender faces, and a narrow set of features. But the tides are changing, and Roma Riaz, Pakistan’s representative for Miss Universe 2025, has emerged as a powerful voice challenging these outdated ideals.
In recent days, Roma faced a wave of online criticism, with comments targeting her darker skin tone and fuller figure. Initially choosing to stay silent, she eventually broke her silence with a pointed and unapologetic message that resonated far beyond social media. “My skin is the same colour as the soil of Pakistan,” she declared in a video post on Instagram, turning a personal confrontation into a broader conversation about colourism and body image in South Asia.
Roma spoke candidly about how deeply ingrained colourism continues to shape perceptions of beauty. She noted that these harmful stereotypes affect not just her, but millions of girls who grow up feeling insecure about their natural appearance. “Colourism has taught us to celebrate fairness and to forget where we come from. But I will not apologise for looking like my poeople,” she said, emphasising pride in her identity.
In her video, Roma connected her personal experience to the collective strength of South Asian women. “I am Pakistani in my roots, and in my values, and in every shade of my skin, and beauty is not tied to one specific skin tone or to a specific set of features,” she said.
“My skin is the same colour as the women who built our families, our homes, and carried our nation in their hearts,” Roma stated as a tribute not only to herself but to all the women who embody the real spirit of Pakistan.
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Roma’s message goes beyond defending her appearance; it challenges the very framework of traditional beauty standards. She represents a new era in which confidence, identity, and authenticity define beauty, not skin tone or conformity to a narrow ideal. “I also represent a new generation of South Asian women who don’t fit into the narrow boxes of what people think we should look like,” she further clarified.
Addressing her critics, Roma urged restraint and reflection, saying that everyone has the right to their opinion, “but if you don’t have anything good to say, think about the image of our country”. She extended a heartfelt message to every girl who has been labeled “too dark”, “too different”, or “too bold”, saying that any girl who has ever been judged this way also represents Pakistan just as much as anyone else.
Roma acknowledged that stepping onto the global stage with darker skin is not without challenges. “Change never comes without resistance,” she wrote in her post, “but I carry it with grace, knowing that every step forward opens a door for the next girl to walk through.” Her message reflected not only courage but a strategic vision for inspiring future generations.
The global support Roma has received has been overwhelming, extending beyond Pakistan to India, Latin America, and other regions. She emphasised that beauty, kindness, and unity transcend borders, fuelling her determination as she prepares for the Miss Universe 2025 competition in Thailand on November 21.
November 20, 2025, 17:43 IST
